I was born on the 1st of April, 1988. Therefore my birthday falls on April the first, every year.
On that particular day, I get a lot of birthday wishes from my friends. At the same time, I become the target of a lot of jokes of my friends as it is the April Fool’s Day. Sometimes, I get a little annoyed too, when my friends say that I have been born with a pack of fools.

On the last April the first I celebrated my 12th birthday. It was a very happy day for me.
My mother had stitched a new frock for me. My father had brought a new pair of shoes for me. My elder sister made a beautiful and delicious cake by herself.


It was with a mind full of happy thoughts that I went to bed on the previous night.

On the following day, I woke very early. When my elder brother first saw me, he greeted me with a “Happy Birthday !”, I smiled, thanked him and turned back happily.

“Daughter, go and wash your face and dress up soon. First of all, we must go to the temple”, mother said with a happy smile.

The day looked fresh and pleasant for me. My father also stayed at home without going for work. Our house was filled with the sweet smell of ripe bananas and sweet-meats.

After a little while, wearing the new frock and carrying a tray of flowers, I went to the temple with my father and mother. Mother was also carrying a plate of milk-rice and sweet-meats.

After a brief and friendly conversation with us, the chief priest of the temple stroked my head and blessed in a low voice, “Theruwan Saranai”. (May you have the blessings of the triple gem.)

In the afternoon, we had a small party at home. Some of our relations and friends and a few outsiders known to my father attended it.

It was a very merry time. All enjoyed themselves immensely with singing, laughing and dancing.
I got a shower of birthday greetings and some birthday presents.

I was astonished when I saw my best school friend, (Some Name) with her mother at our doorstep. She was clad in a lovely frock. Her face was adorned with a happy smile.

(Friend’s Name) mother handed me a big parcel wrapped in white paper and tied with pink ribbon. On it, I saw (Friend’s Name)’s handwriting. It said, “Happy birthday to my best friend, (My Name) !”