Sinhala and Hindu New Year auspicious times, what do they mean.

The auspicious times, or Nekath, are a deeply rooted astrological tradition during the Sinhala and Hindu New Year. Astrologers calculate exact planetary alignments to determine the precise minute when it is luckiest to light the hearth, start cooking the first meal, and take the first bite of Kiribath. The entire country synchronizes these actions to the exact minute. During the non auspicious period immediately preceding the new year, known as Nonagathe, everyone stops working entirely to focus purely on religious observances and resting.