Stepping into a new year can feel daunting, especially when you’re far from home. But that’s where university, with all its glory, steps in. Avurudu at Monash becomes more than just a celebration; it’s a reminder that even in unfamiliar places, tradition has the power to create a sense of belonging. And what’s a celebration without a little friendly rivalry? As the festivities unfolded, competition quickly became the heartbeat of the event, turning the day into a whirlwind of excitement, laughter, and, inevitably, a bit of chaos. Here’s a quick look at some of the unforgettable moments from the day:

The evening kicked off with the lighting of the oil lamp, a tradition symbolizing new beginnings and wisdom in Sri Lankan culture, followed by a beautiful dance performance from the committee members.

This new beginning was quickly followed by the first game, Yogurt “Kaaweema.” While the literal translation is eating yogurt, it’s never that simple. Add a blindfolded partner into the mix, and things get messy fast. With spoons flying and coordination failing, the yogurt rarely made it into mouths… but somehow always ended up on everyone’s clothes.

Next up was the infamous Sack Race. As if hopping in a sack wasn’t hard enough, it was turned into a full-blown relay. Mere observation, but at one point, people were jumping so far apart I genuinely questioned whether we were witnessing the next Olympic long jump team in action.

Toss the Balloon was a deceptively simple challenge. Each pair had to toss a water balloon back and forth without letting it burst. It sounded easy enough until the first splash echoed across the field. One by one, balloons popped mid-air, mid-catch, and sometimes even mid-hand. By the end, only a few balloons (and dry outfits) remained. Total chaos. Great entertainment.

This was followed by Coin in the Flour, a game that was just as messy as it sounds. Participants dove face-first into heaps of flour, scrambling to find a hidden coin. With flour-covered faces and competitive spirits running high, the laughter was unstoppable, along with a few questionable tactics. The game perfectly captured the essence of the event: messy, competitive, and overflowing with joy.

Navigating the Lime on the Spoon Relay was no easy feat. Each participant had to balance a lime on a spoon and race to the other side without dropping it. The challenge? Keeping steady hands while dodging chaos, competitors, and the occasional urge to dramatically declare, “It’s not me, it’s the lime!”

Finally, there’s no better way to say “Happy Avurudu!” than clinging onto a giant rope, digging your heels into the dirt, and giving it your all. Tug of War isn’t just about strength; it’s a metaphor for unity, teamwork, and good old-fashioned friendly competition.

However, no Avurudu celebration is complete without an Avurudu King and Queen. This year’s king, Razan Amjadeen, and queen, Ariana Lantra, truly shined, adding extra sparkle to the festivities!

From the first flicker of the oil lamp to the final triumphant tug on the rope, Avurudu at Monash echoed a powerful truth; tradition has an incredible way of bringing people together, no matter where they are. It binds us in ways deeper than we often realize, creating moments of joy, connection, and belonging. Just like in Tug of War, it’s never about individual strength alone, it’s about holding on, together.

Written by Nicholi De Silva

Photos by Yuto Kashiwagi and Dinya