TAMIL NEW YEAR/PUDHU VARUSHAM

Puthandu, or better known as Tamil New Year, is the celebration of the first day of the new Tamil year by people of Tamil origin. It follows the Tamil Calendar, which is used in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Pondicherry in India, and by the Tamil population in all over the world.The celebration generally fall on April 12, April 13 or April 14. People greet each other on this day by saying இனிய தமிழ் புத்தாண்டு நல்- வாழ்த்துக்கள் (Iniya Tamizh Puthaandu Nalvazthukkal).

Ever year in the month of Chithrai (the first month of the Hindu solar calendar) this festival is
celebrated.This is an important festival of the tamil people since it is the beginning of a new year to them.Lot of new jobs will be started from this day. Most of the tamil marriages will be conducted on this month along with the month THAI(the tenth month of the Hindu solar calendar).

[Courtesy Wikipedia]


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.

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.

Other goodies would be payasam,vadai,kaikari,kootu,morekuzhambu etc.. Apart from these poli or any other sweet will also be made.All these recipes will be discussed in our blog.