Puthandu, also referred to as Puthuvarudam, marks the start of the Tamil New Year. It falls on the first day of the Tamil calendar or the first day of the Chithirai month. People in Tamil Nadu celebrate this day with great enthusiasm. One special tradition is preparing ‘Mangai Pachadi’, a unique dish representing various tastes like sweet, sour, bitter, and spicy. This dish symbolizes life’s diverse emotions.
Eating it on Tamil New Year is believed to bring balance and harmony. The festival holds significant importance for Tamils worldwide, as it signifies new beginnings filled with hope and optimism for the year ahead.
Puthandu 2024
Celebrate Puthandu, also known as Tamil New Year’s Day, on the first day of the Tamil month of Chitterai. This year, mark your calendars for April 14th, 2024, according to the Gregorian calendar. People mainly observe Tamil New Year’s Day in Tamil Nadu, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, and other regions.
Following tradition and the Tamil solar calendar, the New Year’s Day is determined by the timing of Sankranti. If Sankranti occurs after sunrise but before sunset, it’s considered the New Year’s Day. However, if Sankranti happens after sunset, the following day is celebrated as Puthandu.
Puthandu 2024 Date
Puthandu, also known as Tamil New Year, typically occurs around the same date each year according to the Gregorian calendar. In 2024, Tamil New Year falls on April 14th.
Puthandu 2024 History
Puthandu, also known as Tamil New Year, has its roots in the Chola dynasty’s era. They were in power in Tamil Nadu and parts of South India from the 9th to the 13th centuries. It was during their reign that the Tamil calendar came into existence, marking the beginning of the year with the first day of Chithirai.
Puthandu 2024 Significance
The Tamil solar calendar kicks off with Chithirai, marking the start of Puthandu festivities. It’s a big deal, with Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka even having a public holiday for it. But it’s not just them – other states also ring in their New Year on this special day. For example, West Bengal celebrates Poyla Boishakh, Kerala has Vishu, Punjal celebrates Baisakhi, and Assam celebrates Bihu.
Puthandu 2024 Celebrations
Puthandu, also called Varsha Pirappu, is a vibrant celebration cherished by Tamilians nationwide. Families eagerly prepare for the new year, adorning their homes and cooking special dishes like pongal and mango pachadi. It’s a time for togetherness, as loved ones gather to mark the occasion.
The day begins with creating colorful kolam designs at the doorstep, followed by cooking the traditional Puthandu dishes. Some may sing devotional songs, seeking prosperity and joy. Many start the day with a temple visit, while others dress in their finest attire for a delightful feast with family and friends.
The mouthwatering Puthandu spread includes not only mango pachadi and pongal but also vadai, sambhar, rice, payasam, papad, vegetable curry, mango pickle, and curd. Respect for elders is shown, and greetings of “Puthandu Nalvalthukal” fill the air, meaning “Happy New Year” in English.
Puthandu is a time for reflection, gratitude for the past year, and optimism for the future. Families come together, enjoy feasting, and exchange gifts amidst beautifully decorated homes. A significant tradition is the ‘Kanni,’ where the first sight of the year is believed to set the tone for the rest of it.
Therefore, Tamilians wake up early, bathe, and view auspicious items like gold, silver, fruits, flowers, and a mirror, symbolizing good fortune.
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Puthandu 2024 FAQs
Q.1. What is Puthandu?
Ans. Puthandu, also known as Tamil New Year, marks the beginning of the Tamil calendar year. It’s celebrated with enthusiasm in Tamil Nadu and other regions.
Q.2. When is Tamil New Year 2024?
Ans. Tamil New Year 2024 falls on April 14th, according to the Gregorian calendar. It’s observed on the first day of the Tamil month of Chitterai.
Q.3. What is the significance of Tamil New Year?
Ans. Tamil New Year symbolizes new beginnings, hope, and optimism for the year ahead. It’s a time for reflection, gratitude, and celebration among Tamilians.
Q.4. What are some traditional dishes for Tamil New Year?
Ans. Traditional Tamil New Year dishes include pongal, mango pachadi, vadai, sambhar, rice, payasam, papad, vegetable curry, mango pickle, and curd.
Q.5. What is the ‘Kanni’ tradition associated with Tamil New Year?
Ans. The ‘Kanni’ tradition involves waking up early, bathing, and viewing auspicious items like gold, silver, fruits, flowers, and a mirror to symbolize good fortune for the year ahead.
