Puthandu 2024: All about Tamil New Year

The Tamil New Year known as Puthandu or Varusha Pirappu is celebrated on the first day of the Tamil month- Chitterai. This day is decided on the basis of the position of the Sun. According to the Tamil calender, if the Sankranti is between sunrise and before sunset, then that is the Puthandu or New Year’s Day. If the Sankranti occurs after sunset, it is celebrated on the next day. 

 

When is Tamil New Year in 2024?

Puthandu or Tamil New Year 2024 falls on April 14, 2024. This festival is celebrated in Tamil Nadu and places with large Tamil expats world over such as the Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore and the Middle East. 

 

Tamil New Year: Significance

Lord Indra is believed to have visited earth on Varusha Pirappu to ensure peace and harmony. Also, people believe that Lord Brahma established the world on this day.

 

Tamil New Year: Rituals followed

• People start cleaning their houses a week before Puthandu. They also do up their house like painting etc. to usher in the New Year with the new look to the house. 
• On the day of Puthandu, people get up early in the morning and take bath with herbs and turmeric and dress in traditional attire. 
• Huge kolam with power or rice flour paste lined with Kaavi are drawn outside the house to welcome prosperity and good luck in the New Year. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Source: Pinterest (313774299055443824)

Source: Pinterest (Vani Muthukrishnan)

 

• Carnatic music or divine songs are played in the background and people visit temples.
• Another ritual that is followed is people read the Panchangam to know about the auspicious and lucky dates for family members.  

 

Tamil New Year: Food prepared

The food is a very significant aspect of the celebrations. On Tamil New Year Day, tamilians make Manga Pachdi using raw mango, jaggery, mustard, dried neem flowers, chilli. This dish gives out all flavours from spicy, sour, bitter and sweet. This depicts that one should be prepared for all life challenges and face them bravely. Vegetarian dishes are made on Tamil New Year and eaten on Banana Leaf. The list of food made on Tamil New Year include:  

• Payasam
• Thayir Pachdi
• Manga Pachdi
• Aviyal
• Kootu
• Poriyal
• Potato Kara curry
• Parrupu usli
• Parrupu Vadai
• Appalam
• Pickle
• Banana chips
• Paruppu (Dal)
• Rice
• Ghee
• Sambar
• Morkozumbhu
• Pitila
• Rasam
• Curd/Butter milk

Source: Pinterest (Simple and Yummy Recipes)

 

Puthandu greetings

Iniya Puthandu Nal Vazhthukkal is how people greet each other on Tamil New Year. 

 

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The Tamil Puthandu is celebrated with family and friends with joy and gratitude. People visit temples and take blessings from god and elders for a wonderful year ahead. 

 

FAQs

When is Tamil New Year 2024?

Tamil New Year is on April 14, 2024.

Why does Tamil New Year fall in April?

The Tamil New Year coincides with the spring equinox and falls on April 14 of the Gregorian calender.

Which month does Tamil New Year fall?

Tamil New Year falls on the first day of Tamil month- Chitterai.

What is the food that is made on Tamil New Year?

Manga Pachdi is made on Tamil New Year. It is made of Raw Mango and dried neem flower.

What are the other festivals that are celebrated on Tamil New Year in other Indian states?

Tamil New Year coincides with festivals such as Vishu, Baishaki and Bihu.

 

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