Sinhala New Year: The Banku Rabana and its Relationship to Food Culture

Abstract

The main livelihood of Sri Lankan village life is the agricultural industry centered on the rice plant. This culture has incorporated a sub-culture surrounding food sprouting from this as well. Throughout history, the harvest brought home has been consumed in a festive setting. This is most clearly seen in the month of April, with the dawn of the New Year. The banku rabana is a traditional percussion instrument that is 3-4 feet in diameter and is made to represent the sun. Played by four individuals sitting around the rabana this is a custom spread island wide with variations indigenous to regions. This is a qualitative study through which the following aims are discussed. First, a rough outline of the traditional New Year festival and the significance of the banku rabana. Then, the communication methods involving the banku rabana, the different playing styles and related vocal verses as well as their hidden meanings were investigated. Finally, the aspects of food culture brought out through the banku rabana are discussed. Discussions and field observations were carried out as primary sources. Furthermore, experience in the field of Ayurveda medicine and food culture was used as a primary source here. The secondary sources used were studying the relevant texts on the topics relevant to the research. This culture is an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Sri Lanka.