Sri Lanka, April 10 -- Avurudu is a time when children as well as adults engage in fun and games alike. As much as traditional rituals are attached to this festival, there are also traditional games that are linked to the avurudu season.
Onchili Pedeema (Swinging) Almost as early as the koha's sound, the swing comes out. Without any division in the ages, swinging is enjoyed by everyone. Young girls and children enjoy themselves very much, swinging and singing "onchili waaram" (songs about swinging)
Raban Gaseema One of the most popular activities among the females, young and old. Sometimes this is done as a competition too. There are traditional 'Raban Kavi" which are sung when playing the rabana. Either one or many (about 04) women can sit around the rabana and play. The sound of the rabana is unique to the avurudu season and its celebrations.
Olinda Keliya Played with "olinda" seeds, it is popular among the women folk.
Pancha Demeema This is played with 05 small seashells, a coconut shell, and a pancha chart.
Porapol Gaseema Mostly popular in Matara and Devundara areas, it is a team sport. Two teams each take a turn at throwing coconut until all the nuts on one side are broken. The winning nut is then kept in the temple.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Lanka Woman.