The cultural landscape of Victoria is set to be enriched once again as Anzac Park in Craigieburn prepares to host one of the most significant events in the local Sri Lankan calendar. The “Soorya Udanaya” Sri Lankan New Year festival, a cornerstone of community celebration, will return this month, bringing with it a vibrant tapestry of tradition, gastronomy, and collective joy.
Anzac Park in Craigieburn will come alive once again this month with the huge Sri Lankan New Year festival called Soorya Udanaya. Thousands of Sri Lankans will come together for a colourful celebration of culture and community on 26 April from 8am-9pm. The free all day festival is being hosted by the Victorian Sri Lankan Welfare and Cultural Association (VISWA) for the twelfth time.
A Legacy of Community and Culture
For over a decade, the Victorian Sri Lankan Welfare and Cultural Association (VISWA) has been instrumental in fostering a sense of belonging for the diaspora in the Hume area and beyond. This twelfth iteration of Soorya Udanaya marks a significant milestone in the association’s history, reflecting the resilience and growth of the Sri Lankan community in Australia.
The festival serves as more than just a gathering; it is a vital bridge connecting younger generations of Sri Lankan-Australians with their ancestral heritage. By replicating the sights, sounds, and flavours of the traditional Sinhala and Tamil New Year, known as Aluth Avurudu, VISWA ensures that the profound values of unity, gratitude, and renewal are preserved in a modern, multicultural context.
The vibrant Sri Lankan New Year festival is being hosted in Craigieburn for the twelfth time.
Culinary Traditions and New Additions
Central to any Sri Lankan celebration is the food, and the 2026 event promises to be a culinary journey like no other. VISWA secretary Upul Chandana said the food festival is an exciting addition to the 2026 event. “We invited all the food vendors around the Hume area and outside who will bring food trucks,” he said.
“Traditional Sri Lankan foods like hoppers, kottu roti, biriyani, string hoppers and other sweets will be available to buy. We got another addition this year which is a modified car show with the antique cars for the car enthusiastic people to come and have a look and feel it and take pictures.”
The inclusion of a modified car show alongside traditional festivities highlights the festival’s evolution, blending contemporary interests with historical customs. For those interested in discovering more about Sri Lankan culinary arts, eLanka offers a variety of Sri Lankan recipes that reflect the authentic flavours found at the festival.
The Spirit of “Avurudu” Games
The festival is jam-packed with traditional games including tug of war, sack races, and even pillow fighting. These activities are not merely recreational; they are steeped in historical significance, traditionally performed to foster communal harmony and physical prowess during the New Year season.
“On a balancing beam, two people will jump on and start fighting with pillows,” Mr Chandana said, describing the iconic ‘Kotta Pora’ (pillow fight). This game, along with others such as ‘Kana Mutti’ (breaking the pot) and ‘Aliyata Asa Thabeema’ (placing the eye on the elephant), provides a nostalgic experience for those who remember these games from their childhood in Sri Lanka, while offering a novel and exciting spectacle for those experiencing it for the first time in Melbourne.
Celebrating Beauty and Talent
The afternoon programme will shift focus towards elegance and artistic expression. In the afternoon VISWA will host a pageant show, where one queen will be crowned. “We find the most beautiful and talented girl there, so she will get a lot of presents and gifts and of course be crowned with a tiara.”
This pageant is a highlight for many families, showcasing not only the beauty of the participants but also their connection to their cultural roots. For those seeking to connect with the community on a more personal level, eLanka also provides a dedicated Weddings portal to help community members find their perfect life partners within the diaspora.
Musical Excellence and Live Entertainment
Music acts as the heartbeat of the Soorya Udanaya festival. There will also be live shows throughout the day on two stages, including a special performance from a music group who are travelling from Sri Lanka. The inclusion of international acts, such as the renowned group Naadha Gama, underscores the global scale of this event.
Naadha Gama has been recognised as a transformative force in the evolution of Sri Lankan live music, and their performance in Craigieburn is anticipated to be one of the largest Sri Lankan concerts held overseas this year. The rhythmic beats of the Geta Beraya and the melodic strains of contemporary Sri Lankan pop will fill Anzac Park, creating an atmosphere of unbridled celebration.
Resilience and Community Demand
The journey to the 2026 festival has not been without its challenges. The global pandemic necessitated a hiatus for many large-scale community events, leading to a period of uncertainty for organisers. Mr Chandana said the VISWA is proud to hold the event for the local Sri Lankan community.
“After the pandemic we worried that we can’t do the festival again, but the community said ‘it’s not your event, it’s our event so make sure you start it.” This sentiment perfectly encapsulates the role eLanka plays in the community, acting as a facilitator for a community that is deeply invested in its own cultural continuity. You can find more community updates and announcements on our Event Listings page.
Planning Your Visit
The festival will open with a free breakfast from 8am where early birds can enjoy traditional Sri Lankan delicacies, the official opening ceremony will follow at 11am. Arriving early is highly recommended to witness the traditional lighting of the oil lamp, a symbol of prosperity and the dispelling of darkness, which marks the formal commencement of the proceedings.
For local businesses looking to engage with the thousands of attendees expected at Anzac Park, the eLanka Business Directory remains the premier platform to advertise services and connect with the Sri Lankan community in Victoria.
As the sun sets over Craigieburn on 26 April, the echoes of the drums and the laughter of families will serve as a powerful reminder of the strength and vibrancy of the Sri Lankan diaspora. Whether you are coming for the food, the games, the cars, or the music, Soorya Udanaya 2026 promises to be an unforgettable celebration of life and heritage.
Source: https://northern.starweekly.com.au/news/sri-lankan-festival-set-to-light-up-craigieburn/
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