Puthandu 2024: People from the Tamil community celebrate their New Year on the 14th of April. Tamil New Year’s day is commonly known as Puthandu and Varsha Pirappu. This festival is celebrated by the Tamil community people of Sri Lanka and across the world. Puthandu marks the arrival of the spring season As per the Tamil solar calendar, Tamil New Year is celebrated in Chithirai month and falls on the same date as that of the Hindu lunisolar calendar.
Puthandu: History
Many people believe that Lord Brahma began the creation of the universe on Puthandu day. There are several references regarding the Tamil New Year being celebrated in the April month in early Tamil literature.
Varsha Pirappu: Significance
Varsha Pirappuy festival holds significance as many people believe that the god of creation, Lord Brahma, created the universe on this day. Some people also believe that Lord Indra came to Earth on this day to check peace and serenity on the planet.
Puthandu: Rituals and Celebrations
A day before Puthandu, people decorate their houses with ‘Kolam’ to welcome prosperity and joy in their homes. They take a herbal bath to clean themselves thoroughly and the turmeric bath is common among Tamil women.
People dress up in new attires and greet each other with ‘Puthandu Vazthukal’ and perform Pooja to the deities. Singing devotional songs, praying at temples, and making Pongal are common on Puthandu.
