The month of Chittrai (April - May) embarks the time of festivities in
Tamil Nadu. Tamil's New Year Day "
Puthandu" is
celebrated on April 13 or 14 every year (according to the Gregorian
Calender). People greet each other "
Puthandu Vazthukal"
which means Happy New Year. This auspicious day is also popular as
Varusha
Pirappuv. As per the Hindu mthyical legends, Lord Brahma started
creation of the universe.
Highlights of the Festival
New Year's day is a gala time for all Tamils. The main focus is on the
food eaten on the day.
'Maanga Pachadi' is the pulse of the
festival. It is a dish made of raw mangoes, jaggery, neem flowers which
tastes sweet, salt, sour and bitter. This entails different colors of
life. It depicts that life has to face everything from success to
defeat. At the time of New Year festivities, a grand Car Festival also
takes place at Tiruvadamarudur near Kumbakonam. At some places,
Chitthirai
festival is also celebrated. It is said on this day, Goddess Meenakshi
got married to Lord Sundareswarar.
Puthandu Rituals
In Tamil Nadu, people follow some strict rituals in a belief to ensure
well-being and prosperity of their families. The most popular tradition
is to view
Kanni at dawn with a hope to bring good luck. People
start the day by watching some auspicious items like gold and silver
jewelery, betel leaves, nuts, fruits and vegetables, flowers, raw rice
and coconuts. Following the rituals, Tamils take bath, wear fresh
clothes and visit the temples to pray for success in life. After this,
Panchangam (almanac) is read.
Many people get their houses painted to mark the renewal of life.
Ladies adorn their houses with fresh mango leaves and
Kolam
(rangoli)designs. Sometimes, a decorated lamp
kuthuvillakku is
placed in the center of colorful Kolam to bring light to the house.
People in the advent of merrymaking and feasting exchange gifts with
each other. Children are highly excited at the time of Puthandu as they
receive small gifts or cash from their parents and relatives.
