The first day of the Tamil solar calendar is celebrated every year as Puthandu or Tamil New Year . It holds great significance for the Tamil community around the globe as it denotes fresh beginnings, start new ventures, spend time with family, and partake in cultural celebrations. It is celebrated with much fanfare in Tamil Nadu, Malaysia, Singapore and Sri Lanka.
Puthandu, also known as Varusha pirappu, is observed on the first day of Tamil month Chithirai. On this day, people wake up early in the morning, decorate their homes with beautiful Kolam, dress up in their best traditional clothes, greet elders in the family, and enjoy festive food like Mango Pachadi, coconut rice, payasam, and poriyal among others. People typically greet each other - "Puthāaṇdu vāazhthugal!" which means Happy New Year. Many visit local temples, perform puja and other rituals at home in the presence of family members.
One of the much-awaited traditions on the day is the 'Kanni' or the first sight of the year. After waking up early, and bathing, it is customary to look at auspicious items like gold, silver, fruits, flowers, and a mirror as a symbol of good luck. Puthandu is believed to date back to the time of the Chola dynasty, which ruled Tamil Nadu from the 9th to the 13th century CE.
Other Indian communities too celebrate their New Year on the same day. Vishu is celebrated in Kerala, Bihu in Assam, Baishakhi in Punjab and Pohela Boishakh in West Bengal.
According to Drik Panchang, Puthandu will be celebrated on April 14 in India and the Sankranti moment of the festival would be at 03:30 am.
When is Puthandu in the USA?
Check out the USA timings for Puthandu as per your time zone:
Puthandu, also known as Varusha pirappu, is observed on the first day of Tamil month Chithirai. On this day, people wake up early in the morning, decorate their homes with beautiful Kolam, dress up in their best traditional clothes, greet elders in the family, and enjoy festive food like Mango Pachadi, coconut rice, payasam, and poriyal among others. People typically greet each other - "Puthāaṇdu vāazhthugal!" which means Happy New Year. Many visit local temples, perform puja and other rituals at home in the presence of family members.
One of the much-awaited traditions on the day is the 'Kanni' or the first sight of the year. After waking up early, and bathing, it is customary to look at auspicious items like gold, silver, fruits, flowers, and a mirror as a symbol of good luck. Puthandu is believed to date back to the time of the Chola dynasty, which ruled Tamil Nadu from the 9th to the 13th century CE.
Other Indian communities too celebrate their New Year on the same day. Vishu is celebrated in Kerala, Bihu in Assam, Baishakhi in Punjab and Pohela Boishakh in West Bengal.
According to Drik Panchang, Puthandu will be celebrated on April 14 in India and the Sankranti moment of the festival would be at 03:30 am.
When is Puthandu in the USA?
Check out the USA timings for Puthandu as per your time zone:
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