Puthandu (Tamil New Year)
The Tamil community celebrates the beginning of their New Year with great fervor and joy. This festival is known as Puthandu, which translates to “new year,” or Puthuvarudam, which means “new age.”
Date and Celebration
Puthandu usually falls on the 14th of April on the Gregorian calendar. The celebration is not limited to Tamil Nadu, India, but also observed in parts of Sri Lanka and Malaysia. The Tamil New Year is observed with traditional ceremonies, cultural events, and feasting.
Significance of Puthandu
The Tamil New Year holds great significance for the community. According to popular belief, Lord Brahma started the creation of the universe on this auspicious day, and Lord Indra came down to earth to assure tranquility. Therefore, Puthandu is a day of new beginnings and is celebrated with enthusiasm and optimism.
Traditions and Customs
On this day, Tamil speakers greet each other by saying “Puttu vttuka!” or “Iiya puttu nalvttuka!” to wish one another a happy new year. Families typically clean and tidy up their homes, light the family puja altar, and go to nearby temples to seek blessings. It is customary to dress in new clothes, visit elders to express respect and seek their blessings, and prepare a tray of fruits, flowers, and other auspicious objects.
Festivals and Celebrations
The Chittirai Thiruvizha is observed in the Meenakshi Temple in Madurai, a city famed for its temples. This festival celebrates the coronation of Lord Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar, and it is marked by a grand procession. Another significant car festival is organized on the day of the Tamil New Year at Tiruvidaimarudur, not far from Kumbakonam. Numerous other celebrations are organized in different locations, including Tiruchirapalli, Kanchipuram, and others.
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Month: Current Affairs – April, 2023
Category: Art & Culture Current Affairs