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Get ready to celebrate the vibrant and joyous Tamil New Year on April 14! This day, also known as Puthandu, marks the first day of the traditional Tamil calendar and is celebrated by Tamilians all over the world. It is believed that Lord Brahma, the creator of the Hindu pantheon, started creation on this auspicious day. The festivities include colorful decorations, traditional food, and cultural performances. So mark your calendars and get ready to embrace a new beginning with positivity and happiness!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>Second Century AD</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Early References</div><div class='timeline-text'>Early Tamil literature from the Sangam period makes references to a solar calendar used by Tamilians.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>527 AD</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Codified Calendar</div><div class='timeline-text'>During the reign of Chola King, Vijayalaya Chola, the Tamil solar calendar used for religious and civil purposes was codified.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1000s AD</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Tamil New Year Celebrations</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Tamilians' significant celebrations of Tamil New Year are documented during the Chola dynasty.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1576 AD</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>European Observation</div><div class='timeline-text'>European traveler and explorer Fernão Nunes noted base-60 calculations and Sanskrit influence in the Tamil calendar.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2008</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Modern Controversy</div><div class='timeline-text'>Controversy arose when the state government moved the Tamil New Year to January. The decision was reverted back in 2011 due to popular sentiment.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Decorate your home with traditional symbols</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Bring in the spirit of Tamil New Year by decorating your home with traditional symbols like colorful kolam (rangoli) designs, mango leaves, and clay pots.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Prepare a feast of traditional Tamil dishes</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather your family and friends and prepare a feast of traditional Tamil dishes such as sambar, rasam, and payasam to celebrate the start of a new year.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a local Tamil New Year celebration</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Check if there are any local events or cultural celebrations happening in your area for Tamil New Year and attend to experience the rich culture and traditions of this festival.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Exchange gifts with loved ones</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>In the spirit of giving and spreading joy, exchange gifts with your loved ones on Tamil New Year to show your appreciation and love for them.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Create a traditional Tamil New Year playlist</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather some of your favorite Tamil songs and create a playlist to play in the background while celebrating the start of a new year with your family and friends.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's a celebration of culture and tradition</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Tamil New Year, also known as Puthandu, is a time to honor the vibrant Tamil culture and heritage. The holiday is filled with colorful decorations, traditional food, and cultural activities that showcase the richness of Tamil traditions.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's a time for new beginnings</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Tamil New Year marks the beginning of a new year according to the Tamil calendar. It's a chance to reflect on the past year and make resolutions for the upcoming one. It's also seen as an auspicious time to start new ventures and projects.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It brings families and communities together</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Tamil New Year is a time for families and friends to come together and celebrate. From preparing traditional dishes to exchanging gifts and visiting temples, the holiday promotes bonding among loved ones and strengthens community ties.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Puthandu is Celebrated with the Display of 'Kanni'</h3><p class='facts-content'>Kanni is a ceremonial display of fruits, vegetables, rice, jewelry, currency coins, and flowers viewed early in the morning on Puthandu to bring good luck.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>"Panchangam" Reading is a Tradition</h3><p class='facts-content'>On Puthandu, the reading of the Panchangam, an almanac containing astronomical data and predictions for the coming year, is a tradition followed by many households.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Mangoes and Neem Flowers Take Center Stage</h3><p class='facts-content'>In Tamil homes, a special dish called ‘Manga Pachadi’ featuring raw mangoes, jaggery, and neem flowers is prepared to mark the occasion. The combination signifies different aspects of life - happiness, bitterness, surprise and so on.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Tamil New Year Coincides with Other Regional New Years</h3><p class='facts-content'>Tamil New Year is celebrated on the same day as many other regional Indian New Years like Ugadi in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, Baisakhi in Punjab, and Vishu in Kerala, adding to the cultural unity of India.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Chithirai Festival in Madurai Coincides with Tamil New Year</h3><p class='facts-content'>The famous Chithirai festival in Madurai that celebrates the marriage of Goddess Meenakshi to Lord Sundareswarar often falls on the same day as Puthandu, leading to grand state-wide celebrations.</p></div></div>
Tamil New Year is celebrated on April 14 every year. In 2024 Tamil New Year will occur on a Sunday.
2023
Apr 14
Friday
2024
Apr 14
Sunday
2025
Apr 14
Monday
2026
Apr 14
Tuesday
2027
Apr 14
Wednesday
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