During the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, families gathered to make Athirasa. The sweet, fried patties were made from rice flour, jaggery, and a touch of cinnamon. As the dough was shaped into thick rounds and fried to a crispy golden brown, children eagerly waited to taste the first batch. Athirasa was more than just a sweet; it was part of the joy and excitement of the New Year, a symbol of new beginnings and shared happiness.