Tamil New Year 2024 - 10 things to know with detail
- 1. Tamil New Year, also known as Puthandu or Chithirai Thirunaal, is celebrated by the Tamil community in India and around the world. It marks the beginning of the Tamil calendar year and is observed on the first day of the Tamil month of Chithirai, which usually falls in mid-April.
- 2. The Tamil New Year is a time for new beginnings and fresh starts. It is a time to reflect on the past year, set new goals, and seek blessings for prosperity and happiness in the coming year.
- 3. On Tamil New Year, people clean their homes, wear new clothes, and decorate their houses with kolam (rangoli) designs. Special prayers and rituals are performed at temples to seek blessings from the gods for a prosperous year ahead.
- 4. One of the key traditions of Tamil New Year is the preparation of a special dish called "Maanga Pachadi." This dish is made with raw mango, jaggery, neem flowers, and other ingredients, symbolizing the different flavors of life – sweet, sour, bitter, and tangy.
- 5. Another popular tradition on Tamil New Year is the drawing of "Kanni" or auspicious sight. A mirror, fruits, flowers, and gold or silver jewelry are placed in front of a deity or in the prayer room as a symbol of prosperity and good fortune.
- 6. Tamil New Year is also a time for family gatherings and feasting. Special meals are prepared with traditional dishes like sambar, rasam, payasam, and vadai, which are enjoyed with family and friends.
- 7. On Tamil New Year, people exchange greetings and wishes with their loved ones. It is a time to strengthen bonds and renew relationships, spreading joy and happiness among all.
- 8. In addition to traditional customs and rituals, cultural events and performances are organized to celebrate Tamil New Year. Music, dance, drama, and other forms of art are showcased to promote Tamil culture and heritage.
- 9. Tamil New Year is a public holiday in Tamil Nadu and is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor. People participate in parades, processions, and cultural events to mark the occasion and showcase their cultural pride.
- 10. Overall, Tamil New Year is a time of joy, renewal, and hope for the Tamil community. It is a time to celebrate traditions, culture, and heritage, and to usher in a new year with positivity and optimism.