Sri Lanka, April 14 -- Sri Lankans currently display great excitement as they prepare to celebrate the Sinhala and Tamil New Year. The 'Punya Kaalaya' or auspicious period for religious observances began today (14) at 3:08 AM and is set to conclude at 3:56 PM.

This interval, known as the transition period, marks the movement of the sun from the house of Pisces to Aries. Astrology suggests completing all work and engaging in religious activities during this timeframe.

According to this year's traditions, the New Year officially dawned at 9:32 AM today (14). The auspicious time for lighting the hearth and cooking meals fell at 10:51 AM, while the rituals for starting work, engaging in financial transactions, and consuming the first meal a...