Can foreign tourists participate in Avurudu new year celebrations and games?

Tourists are absolutely warmly welcomed to participate in Avurudu celebrations across Sri Lanka. Many hotels and guesthouses organize their own traditional Avurudu festivals featuring classic village games like pillow fighting on a pole, kotta pora, the greasy pole climb known as gas keliya, breaking the clay pot blindfolded called kana mutti, and the lime and spoon race. Local villages near tourist areas like Kandy, Galle, and Bentota often invite foreign visitors to join in the food sharing and games. Just bring a friendly smile and a willingness to look silly while trying these hilarious traditional games. Sharing kiribath with locals at the auspicious time is considered an honor and a beautiful cultural exchange experience.