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Tamil New Year

Get ready to ring in Tamil New Year with vibrant celebrations, delicious feasts, and traditional customs that will bring joy and prosperity!

Wednesday

April 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEApril 14

OBSERVED INInternationally

CATEGORYCulture

SUBCATEGORYAsian Heritage

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

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!

TIMELINE

Tamil New Year Timeline

Early References

Early Tamil literature from the Sangam period makes references to a solar calendar used by Tamilians.

Codified Calendar

During the reign of Chola King, Vijayalaya Chola, the Tamil solar calendar used for religious and civil purposes was codified.

Tamil New Year Celebrations

The Tamilians' significant celebrations of Tamil New Year are documented during the Chola dynasty.

European Observation

European traveler and explorer Fernão Nunes noted base-60 calculations and Sanskrit influence in the Tamil calendar.

Modern Controversy

Controversy arose when the state government moved the Tamil New Year to January. The decision was reverted back in 2011 due to popular sentiment.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Tamil New Year

Decorate your home with traditional symbols

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.

PREPARE

Prepare a feast of traditional Tamil dishes

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.

ATTEND

Attend a local Tamil New Year celebration

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.

EXCHANGE

Exchange gifts with loved ones

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.

CREATE

Create a traditional Tamil New Year playlist

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.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love Tamil New Year

It brings families and communities together

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.

It's a celebration of culture and tradition

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.

It's a time for new beginnings

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.

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