by Dilshan, age 7, asks Naththal Seeya do you visit every child, or only Christian families?, about the Indian Ocean, and Sri Lanka’s many religious holidays
Dear Naththal Seeya,
My name is Dilshan and I am 7 years old. I live in Colombo, Sri Lanka, where we hang a big paper star lantern outside our door every December, and my amma cooks a whole tableful of curries for Christmas dinner.
First, do you visit every child, or only Christian families?
Second, a geography question: what ocean touches Sri Lanka?
Third, a school question about my country: why does Sri Lanka celebrate Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim, and Christian holidays all through the year?
I left you a slice of Christmas cake and spiced tea.
Love, Dilshan, age 7, Colombo, Sri Lanka, Colombo, Sri Lanka
From the Desk of Naththal Seeya
Dear Dilshan, thank you for the treat, it was wonderful. Now, your questions.
Do you visit every child, or only Christian families?
I visit every home that welcomes a bit of Christmas cheer, whatever the family’s own faith may be, because generosity is not only for one holiday.
What ocean touches Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka is an island surrounded entirely by the Indian Ocean, and flying in low over that warm, dark water, watching star lanterns glow along the coast, is one of my favorite parts of the whole Asian leg of the route.
Why does Sri Lanka celebrate Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim, and Christian holidays all through the year?
Sri Lanka is home to Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim, and Christian communities who have lived alongside one another for a very long time, and the country officially recognizes major holidays from each tradition. Celebrating so many different holidays together is a wonderful reminder that a country can hold many kinds of joy at once.
Set the star lantern glowing bright tonight, Dilshan.
Ho ho ho, Naththal Seeya
