**New year in Tamil Calendar?**
VerifiedPuthandu is the traditional New Year celebration in the Tamil calendar, marking the beginning of the Tamil month of Chithirai. This beautiful festival typically falls on April 13th or 14th according to the Gregorian calendar, coinciding with the spring season when nature comes alive with fresh blooms and new beginnings.
The word "Puthandu" literally translates to "new year" in Tamil, where "puthu" means new and "andu" means year. Tamil people across the world celebrate this auspicious day with great enthusiasm, following traditions that have been passed down through generations. The celebration begins early in the morning when families wake up before dawn to witness the Kani Kaanum ritual, where they view auspicious items arranged beautifully to ensure prosperity in the coming year.
The Tamil calendar follows a solar system based on the movement of the sun, making it quite different from lunar calendars. This ancient calendar system divides the year into twelve months, each corresponding to different zodiac signs. The New Year begins when the sun enters the first zodiac sign, Mesha (Aries), marking the start of Chithirai month. This astronomical significance makes Puthandu not just a cultural celebration but also an important celestial event.
During Puthandu celebrations, Tamil households are decorated with fresh mango leaves and colorful kolam (rangoli) designs at the entrance. Families prepare special festive meals featuring traditional dishes like mango pachadi, which symbolizes the different flavors of life - sweet, sour, bitter, and spicy. The day is filled with prayers, family gatherings, and exchanging of gifts, creating an atmosphere of joy and renewed hope for the year ahead.
