When:
14th Apr
Where:
All Over India
Puthandu, also known as Tamil New Year, marks the beginning of the Tamil calendar year and is celebrated with great devotion and cultural pride across Tamil Nadu. The festival symbolizes new beginnings, prosperity, and spiritual renewal.
The day begins with the viewing of Puthandu Kani, an auspicious arrangement consisting of fruits, flowers, betel leaves, gold ornaments, mirrors, and sacred texts. It is believed that seeing these items first thing in the morning brings good fortune throughout the year.
People clean and decorate their homes, draw colorful kolams at entrances, and wear new traditional clothes. Families visit temples to offer prayers and seek blessings for the coming year.
A special festive meal is prepared, featuring dishes that reflect different flavors of life, such as sweet jaggery, sour tamarind, bitter neem flowers, and spicy curries. These flavors symbolize joy, sorrow, challenges, and success.
Puthandu is more than a calendar change; it is a celebration of Tamil culture, heritage, and values. It reinforces family bonds and encourages people to welcome the new year with optimism and gratitude.
About Puthandu
Puthandu, also known as Tamil New Year, marks the beginning of the Tamil calendar year and is celebrated with great devotion and cultural pride across Tamil Nadu. The festival symbolizes new beginnings, prosperity, and spiritual renewal.
The day begins with the viewing of Puthandu Kani, an auspicious arrangement consisting of fruits, flowers, betel leaves, gold ornaments, mirrors, and sacred texts. It is believed that seeing these items first thing in the morning brings good fortune throughout the year.
People clean and decorate their homes, draw colorful kolams at entrances, and wear new traditional clothes. Families visit temples to offer prayers and seek blessings for the coming year.
A special festive meal is prepared, featuring dishes that reflect different flavors of life, such as sweet jaggery, sour tamarind, bitter neem flowers, and spicy curries. These flavors symbolize joy, sorrow, challenges, and success.
Puthandu is more than a calendar change; it is a celebration of Tamil culture, heritage, and values. It reinforces family bonds and encourages people to welcome the new year with optimism and gratitude.
Puthandu is one of the most significant festivals celebrated in India, bringing together communities in celebration of their rich cultural heritage and religious traditions.
History & Significance
The origins of Puthandu can be traced back to ancient times, deeply rooted in Indian mythology, cultural practices, and religious beliefs. This festival holds immense spiritual and social significance, symbolizing the values, traditions, and unity of the communities that celebrate it.
Over the centuries, Puthandu has evolved while maintaining its core essence, continuing to inspire devotion and bring joy to millions of people across India and beyond.
How It Is Celebrated
The celebrations of Puthandu are marked by various traditional rituals, prayers, decorations, and community gatherings. Families prepare special dishes, adorn their homes with lights and decorations, and participate in religious ceremonies.
Community events, cultural programs, music, dance, and processions are common features of the celebrations. The festival atmosphere is filled with joy, devotion, and a sense of togetherness that brings people closer to their roots and to each other.
Where It Happens
Puthandu is celebrated across India, with each region adding its unique local traditions and customs to the celebrations.
Best Time to Visit Puthandu
Puthandu 2025 is celebrated on 14th Apr.
The best time to experience Puthandu is during the main celebration days, when the festivities are at their peak. If you're planning to visit the region during this time, arrive a day or two early to witness the preparations and immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere.
Travel Tips for Puthandu
If you're planning to visit during Puthandu, here are some helpful tips:
- Plan Ahead: Book accommodations well in advance as hotels fill up quickly during festival season.
- Respect Traditions: Dress modestly and follow local customs when visiting religious sites or participating in celebrations.
- Arrive Early: Popular celebration venues can get crowded, so arrive early to get a good viewing spot.
- Stay Connected: Keep your mobile phone charged and have backup transportation options as services may be limited during peak celebration times.
- Try Local Food: Festival celebrations often feature special traditional dishes - don't miss the opportunity to try authentic local cuisine.