Tamil New Year, also known as Puthandu or Tamil Puthandu, is the traditional new year of the Tamil people, who are primarily located in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, Sri Lanka, and other parts of the Tamil diaspora. The Tamil New Year is typically celebrated on the first day of the Tamil month of Chithirai, which falls on April 14th or 15th on the Gregorian calendar.
This year the 1st day of Tamil New year would be on 14th April 2023.
The Tamil New Year is a time of celebration and renewal, and is typically marked by religious rituals, family gatherings, and feasting. Many people begin the day by visiting temples and participating in puja (worship) ceremonies to seek blessings for the new year. In addition, many people will also prepare traditional Tamil dishes such as Pongal, a sweet dish made from rice, lentils and jaggery, and Vadai, a deep-fried snack made from lentils.
One of the most important customs of Tamil New Year is the preparation of the puthandu kolam, a traditional Tamil art of drawing intricate designs using rice flour, chalk powder or rangoli powder on the floor or ground. This is a way of welcoming the new year and is considered auspicious.
Another traditional practice is the exchange of greetings and well-wishes among family members, friends and colleagues. People visit each other's houses and exchange sweets and savouries.
Tamil New Year is also a time for reflection and setting new goals for the coming year. Many people take the opportunity to clean and decorate their homes, renew relationships and make new resolutions for the year ahead.
In addition to the traditional celebrations, many Tamil communities around the world also organize cultural events, such as music and dance performances, to mark the occasion.
In conclusion, Tamil New Year is an important cultural and religious festival for the Tamil people, and is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy. It is a time for family, friends and community to come together, and for people to seek blessings, reflect on the past, and look forward to a bright and prosperous future.
