- First day of Chithirai
- Usually 14 April
- Tamil Nadu, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore
Where it began
The Tamil calendar is a solar calendar. The new year begins when the Sun enters Mesha (Aries), which falls in mid-April. Puthandu means new year.
Tamil texts of old times describe a year of twelve months starting in mid-April. Each year has a name in a cycle of sixty.
How it grew over time
Sangam age
Poems speak of the Sun's passage through the twelve signs, the basis of the Tamil solar year.
Medieval period
Temple inscriptions mark special rites at the start of Chithirai.
20th century
Puthandu became a public holiday in Tamil Nadu.
Today
Tamils across the world celebrate with temple visits, family meals and new clothes.
How it is celebrated in different places
Tamil Nadu
Homes keep a kanni tray of mango, banana, jackfruit, gold, a mirror and flowers to see first in the morning.
Sri Lanka
Tamils and Sinhalese both mark a new year in mid-April, with games, sweets and kind visits.
Malaysia and Singapore
Temples hold special prayers and families gather for festive meals.
Madurai
The Chithirai Thiruvizha festival at the Meenakshi temple follows in the same month.
Tamil New Year today
Families clean the house and draw a large kolam at the door. The first sight of the morning is a tray of fruits, betel leaves, gold and a mirror. People wear new clothes and visit temples.
The meal includes mango pachadi, which mixes sweet, sour, bitter and spicy tastes, so that every part of life is welcomed. Panchangam reading tells of the year ahead.
