Sinhala Avurudu Traditional Games
Kotta Pora (Pillow Fight): Two players balance on a horizontal pole with one hand tied behind their back, using a pillow to knock each other off. Often played over a pond, adding a splashy twist. This is one of the traditional New Year games in Sri Lanka.
Ankeliya (Tugging the Horn): Teams (Udupila and Yatipila) tug on a rope attached to interlocked sambur horns fixed to a tree. The team< whose horn breaks loses; a ritual game linked to Goddess Paththini.
Kana Mutti Bindeema (Breaking Pots): Blindfolded participants swing a stick to break a clay pot filled with water or sand. The pot containing a prize (like colored water) is the target. This is a popular New Year game.
Lissana Gaha Nageema (Climbing the Greased Pole): A tall pole is coated in grease; contestants race to climb it and grab a prize (flag or money) at the top. Requires balance and grip.
Onchili Pedeema (Swinging): A traditional swing activity enjoyed by all ages, often accompanied by songs like "Onchili waaram."
Raban Geseema (Playing the Raban): A rhythmic drumming game using the traditional rabaana, often done in groups, especially by women.
Pancha Dameema (Pancha Keliya): A board game using five small shells, a coconut shell, and a game chart. Players use strategy and luck to collect the most seeds.
Olinda Keliya: A seed-based board game played with olinda seeds on a board with nine holes, where players aim to collect the most seeds.
Porapol Gaseema (Coconut Throwing Game): Two teams take turns throwing coconuts at each other. Players block incoming coconuts with their own. The team with intact coconuts wins.
Banis Kaema (Bun Eating Contest): Buns are hung from a pole; participants, with hands tied behind their backs, race to eat them as quickly as possible.
Placing the Eye on the Elephant: A blindfolded player must locate and touch the eye of an elephant drawn on a board. This is known as "Aliyata asa thabeema" in Sinhala.
Coconut Grating Competition: Women compete to scrape a coconut as fast as possible, with speed and quality of grating determining the winner.
Kamba Adeema (Tug-o-War): A classic team game involving pulling a rope to test strength and coordination.
Avurudu Kumariya/Kumaraya Pageant: A beauty and traditional attire competition, where the best-dressed male and female are crowned as the New Year's Prince and Princess.
These games are deeply rooted in Sri Lankan culture and are celebrated across villages and urban festivals alike. Many are now also available in digital formats, such as the Aurudu Krida mobile app, which features mini-games like Pancha Keliya, Kana Mutti Bidima, and Grease Gahe Nagima.
