Puthandu 2023: Celebration, and Significance of Tamil New Year

Puthandu Festival 2023
What is Puthandu or Tamil New Year?

The Tamil New Year, commonly referred to as Puthandu is a major festival celebrated with great zeal and devotion by Tamilians all over the world. Puthandu festival marks the start of the Tamil calendar year and is regarded as a day of new beginnings, happiness, and prosperity. Tamil Nadu, a southern Indian state, is famous for its rich cultural heritage and various traditions, and Tamil New Year is one of the state's most significant festivals.
When is Puthandu 2023 / Tamil New Year 2023?

The Puthandu festival takes place on the first day of the Tamil month Chithirai which is the first month, which is celebrated on April 14th each year as per the Gregorian calendar. This festival is widely celebrated by the Tamil community in India and around the world.
Tamil Calendar / Name of Tamil Months:

The Tamil calendar is a traditional calendar system that is used in Tamil Nadu as well as other parts of South India. Tamil Calendar is based on the solar cycle and is divided into twelve months, each with its own name. Here are the Tamil calendar's twelve months, along with their Gregorian calendar equivalents:
  1. Chithirai (April/May)
  2. Vaikasi (May/June)
  3. Aani (June/July)
  4. Aadi (July/August)
  5. Aavani (August/September)
  6. Purattasi (September/October)
  7. Aippasi (October/November)
  8. Karthigai (November/December)
  9. Margazhi (December/January)
  10. Thai (January/February)
  11. Maasi (February/March)
  12. Panguni (March/April)
History and Significance of Puthandu / Tamil New Year 2023:

The Tamil calendar has been in use since ancient times and is based on the solar cycle. It has 12 months, each of which corresponds to a different zodiac sign.
  1. Chithirai (April/May) - Mesha (Aries)
  2. Vaikasi (May/June) - Vrishabha (Taurus)
  3. Aani (June/July) - Mithuna (Gemini)
  4. Aadi (July/August) - Kataka (Cancer)
  5. Aavani (August/September) - Simha (Leo)
  6. Purattasi (September/October) - Kanya (Virgo)
  7. Aippasi (October/November) - Tula (Libra)
  8. Karthigai (November/December) - Vrishchika (Scorpio)
  9. Margazhi (December/January) - Dhanu (Sagittarius)
  10. Thai (January/February) - Makara (Capricorn)
  11. Maasi (February/March) - Kumbha (Aquarius)
  12. Panguni (March/April) - Meena (Pisces)
The Tamil New Year marks the start of the new year and is regarded as an auspicious occasion for new beginnings, prosperity, and happiness. The occasion is also significant for a variety of other reasons. It is believed that Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe, began his creation on this day. The festival additionally has a connection with the legend of Lord Indra, the gods' king, who was defeated in a battle with the demon Vritra. Lord Indra then prayed to Lord Vishnu for assistance in regaining his strength and defeating the demon. The day is also significant in the lives of farmers because it is the start of the harvest season.
Celebrations on Puthandu / Tamil New Year 2023:

Tamil New Year is a day of celebration, and people begin planning for its months in advance. Cleaning and decorating homes is the first step in the preparations. Colorful kolams (rangolis) and traditional decorations such as mango leaves and flower garlands are used to decorate people's homes. Kolams are intricate designs made on the floor with rice flour or chalk powder that are thought to bring good luck and prosperity to the home.

People stop by Puthandu temples to seek deity blessings. The temples are decorated with flowers and lights, and special poojas (worship) are held to commemorate the auspicious day.

The sumptuous feast that is prepared is one of the main highlights of the Tamil New Year. Sweet Pongal, vadai, payasam, and sambar are traditional Tamil dishes prepared and served to family and friends. The feast is a symbol of community and emphasizes the value of sharing and giving. People also exchange gifts and candies with one another.

Another significant element of the Tamil New Year is the yearly horoscope. The position of the stars on this day is thought to be predictive of the coming year. People seek the advice of astrologers in order to predict their future and make major choices in accordance with their predictions. The predictions of horoscopes are an important part of Tamil culture and are thought to guide people in their daily lives.

Cultural celebrations and performances are also held during the Tamil New Year. People dress up in traditional attire and attend cultural programs that highlight Tamil Nadu's rich cultural heritage. Popular events organized during the festival include music and dance performances, drama, and poetry recitations.

Sporting events are held in addition to cultural events during the festival. During the festival, traditional sports such as Uriyadi (pot-breaking), Kabaddi, and Kho-Kho are played, and people participate enthusiastically in these events.

The festival also serves as a time for spiritual reflection and petitioning the Almighty for blessings. People go to temples and pray to the gods. To commemorate the auspicious day, temples are decorated with flowers and lights, and special poojas (worship) are performed.
Final Words:

Tamil New Year is a celebration of new beginnings, prosperity, and joy. It is a time for getting together, sharing, and spreading happiness. The festival is celebrated not only in Tamil Nadu but also by Tamilians worldwide. It's time to reconnect with one's roots and celebrate Tamil Nadu's rich cultural heritage.

The festival serves as a reminder of the value of preserving and passing on our traditions to future generations. It is a day to look back on the previous year and make plans for the coming year. The horoscope predictions made on this day are thought to help people make important decisions in their daily lives.

Tamil New Year is a celebration of the start of a new cycle of life. It is a time for celebration, community, and new beginnings. The festival instills values such as sharing, giving, and being thankful for what we have. It is a festival that brings together Tamils from all over the world and celebrates Tamil Nadu's rich cultural heritage.


Puthandu 2023   Celebration   Significance of Tamil New Year   Tamil New Year   Tamil New Year 2023   Puthandu   Tamil Calendar   Name of Tamil Months   History of Puthandu   Significance of Puthandu   Celebrations on Puthandu   Cultural celebrations  


Comments

0 Comments

Leave a comment

Search