Puthandu or Tamil New Year Festival of Tamil Nadu

Name of Festival : Puthandu or Tamil New Year

Major Territory of Celebration
Puthandu or Tamil New Year is celebrated in Tamil Nadu,India

Time of celebration (Months)
Puthandu or Tamil New Year in mid-April or generally falls on April 14 of the Gregorian year

About Festival
Puthandu popularly known as ‘Varusha Pirappu’ and it is marks the beginning of the Dravidian New Year in the State of Tamil Nadu in mid-April or generally falls on April 14 of the Gregorian year.On this day people greet each other “Puthandu Vazthukal” which means Happy New Year.

It is a gala time for all Tamils. ‘Maanga Pachadi’ is a dish that made of raw mangoes, jaggery, neem flowers which tastes sweet, salt, sour and bitter , it is a pulse of the festival.The main focus is on prosperity throughout the year, and a prayer of thanks to the gods.

On this day people are dress up in new clothes, feast, exchange greetings and offer prayers at temples. Puthandu or Tamil New Year day is also associated with the harvest festival celebrated in many other parts of the country.

Puthandu Rituals
The people of Tamil Nadu follow some strict rituals in a belief to ensure well-being and prosperity of their families. The most popular tradition is to view Kanni at dawn with a hope to bring good luck.

Many people painted their houses to mark the renewal of life. Ladies decorated their houses with fresh mango leaves and Kolam (rangoli)designs. Sometimes they used the decorated lamp kuthuvillakku and is placed in the center of colorful Kolam to bring light to the house.

People and children are greet each other “Puthandu Vazthukal” which means Happy New Year.