Tamil New Year 2024 (Puthandu): Date & Significance

The Tamil New Year date begins with adorning a symbolic platter with objects like flowers, mirrors, jewellery, money, betel leaves, mangoes, bananas, and pineapple is customary. Upon getting up on the first day of the new year, Tamil often finds this platter waiting for them. Kolam, elaborate patterns made from dyed rice flour, are another important part of the culture’s heritage.

Tamils traditionally celebrate New Year’s Day with a vegetarian feast and a day spent with family. In exchange for a benediction, young people are supposed to honour their seniors. Apartments will be cleaned, and people will go to their neighbourhood Hindu shrines.

The southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu goes all out for the holiday of Puthandu. High levels of positivity and anticipation for the New Year ahead characterise the celebration. It’s widely considered an excellent day to start something fresh.

Origins and Background of Tamil Puthandu

The celebration of the New Year in Tamil is not solely sacred. Nonetheless, many festival-goers observe it because of the holy significance it bears for them. Many Tamil Hindus attribute the beginning of time to this day. On the other hand, some Tamilians think Lord Indra himself descended to the world on this day to spread love and unity. Because it marks the commencement of a new calendar year, it is one of the most significant and blessed days in the lives of Tamilians where people greet each other with Tamil new year wishes, “iniya tamil Puthandu nal vazthukal.” Chithirai Tamil Puthandu Vazthukal is another form of greeting for this day.

Significance of Puthandu in Tamil

Sauramana is the solar calendar used by the Tamil people. This calendar uses the sun’s apparent motion to determine the passage of time. Traditional calendars began with the day on which the sun first rose directly above the equator. Specifically, the equinox occurs when the sun is directly overhead in both the northern and southern hemispheres and is believed by most to take place around April 14th. On this day, people also hear different Tamil new year wishes, Kavithai (poem).

This day represents a fresh start. People look forward to this day because it symbolises a fresh start and new possibilities. Raw mango and fresh blossoms are on the menu because they symbolise prosperity and new beginnings. Also, jaggery, neem blossom, red pepper, fresh mango, and mustard are the main ingredients in a delicious meal called manga pachadi. There are six distinct flavours in the world, and these six cover them all. This meal is a metaphor for the belief that there are many feelings to experience in this world, not just joy.

New Year Festivities and Rituals in Tamil

• The Puthandu festival starts a day early. On a platter, one might find a mirror, flowers, areca nuts, betel leaves, cash, silver/gold jewellery, jack fruits, bananas, and mangoes. This site, known as “Kanni,” requires its observance on the day of Puthandu. By following the Kanni ritual, one can expect to have a joyful and prosperous New Year.

• During this time, everyone wears something colourful and new, and they wish each other a “Happy Tamil New Year,” or Puthandu Pirappuv or இனிய தமிழ் புத்தாண்டு நல்வாழ்த்துக்கள் (Puthandu Vazthukal Tamil).

• Kolams are beautifully used as home decorations on Puthandu. A lamp-shaped decoration called “Kuhtuvillakku” is placed in the centre of a Kolam. It is commonly held that this marks the onset of the day. Every Tamil family prepares a special meal to honour this day.

• Residents enjoy a wide variety of tasty treats on celebration day. Days before the New Year, special delicacies are cooked up. These delicacies are prepared in a unique way for Puthandu. Payasam, puruppu vadai, appalam, Aviyal, crispy appalam, coconut milk, yogurt, veppam poo rasam, and various other foods are available. Puthandu is well-known for its tangy and sugary cuisines. Puthandu is also renowned for its delicious rice kheer, pal payasam.

• On this day, festivities include an automobile festivity in Tiruvidaimarudur and the spectacular union of Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar at Madurai’s well-known shrine.

• Many people visit temples hoping to receive some heavenly favour. The ‘Tharpanam’ ceremony is one way some Tamil families keep their forefathers’ spirits alive and well.

• As with many cultures, reading the “Panchangam” is integral to this ritual. The oldest member of the household usually does the reading. The temple’s chief priest is responsible for reading the yearly “Panchangam” to worshippers.

Conclusion

In the Tamil calendar, the first day of the year is known as Puthandu, and it is celebrated with many customs, festivities, and new year quotes in Tamil. Though under different titles, many other parts of India celebrate the new year on this day. Traditional feasts and welcoming the new year are highlights of the New Year holidays, observed with great excitement and joy. In traditional Tamil fashion, you can celebrate 2024 with dishes like Mango Pachadi and Veppam Poo Rasam. Celebrate the upcoming Puthandu New Year 2024 with great merriment.

PUTHANDU VAZTHUKAL!!! Have a wonderful Tamil New Year.