What is Puthandu?
Tamil New Year, also known as Puthandu or Varusha Pirappu, is the celebration of the Tamil New Year according to the Tamil calendar. It typically falls on April 14th each year. The Tamil calendar follows the solar cycle of the Hindu calendar and is celebrated by Tamils around the world, especially in Tamil Nadu, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, and other regions with significant Tamil populations.
The festival marks the beginning of the Tamil month of Chithirai and is a time of joy, celebration, and renewal. People clean their houses, wear new clothes, and prepare special dishes. Traditional rituals are performed to seek blessings for the year ahead. It’s a time for family gatherings, feasting, exchanging gifts, and visiting temples.
Special events and cultural programs are organized in Tamil communities to mark the occasion. The day is also significant for its cultural and religious importance, with people praying for prosperity, happiness, and success in the coming year.
Historical background
- Ancient Origins: The celebration of the Tamil New Year has ancient roots, dating back thousands of years. It is believed to have originated during the Sangam period, which lasted from around 300 BCE to 300 CE. During this time, Tamil literature flourished, and many literary works mention the celebration of the Tamil New Year.
- Agricultural Significance: Historically, the Tamil New Year was closely associated with agriculture. It marked the beginning of the Tamil month of Chithirai, which falls around mid-April, coinciding with the onset of the spring season and the start of the traditional Tamil agricultural year. Farmers would use this time to sow seeds and begin their agricultural activities, making it a vital period for the agrarian community.
- Cultural Significance: The Tamil New Year is not just a time to mark the beginning of a new year; it is also a celebration of Tamil culture, tradition, and heritage. It is a time when people come together to celebrate their shared identity, language, and customs.
- Religious Significance: The Tamil New Year is celebrated by Tamils of different religious backgrounds, including Hindus, Christians, and Muslims. For Hindus, it is often associated with religious rituals and prayers at temples. The day typically begins with visits to temples, where special prayers and offerings are made to the deities for blessings and prosperity in the coming year.
- Colonial Influence: During the colonial period, the celebration of the Tamil New Year faced some challenges due to the influence of Western calendars introduced by the British. However, despite this influence, the Tamil New Year continued to be celebrated fervently by the Tamil community, serving as a symbol of resilience and cultural identity.
Some Special Dishes made during Puthandu
Puthandu, the Tamil New Year, is celebrated with various special dishes that hold cultural significance and are prepared to mark the occasion. Here are some traditional dishes commonly enjoyed during Puthandu:
- Maanga Pachadi: Maanga Pachadi is a quintessential dish prepared on Puthandu. It is a sweet and tangy relish made with raw mango, jaggery, neem flowers, green chilies, and sometimes a pinch of salt. This dish symbolizes the different flavors of life—sweetness, sourness, bitterness, and spiciness—and reminds people to accept life’s experiences with equanimity.
- Paruppu Vadai: Paruppu Vadai, also known as Dal Vada, is a popular fried snack made from a mixture of soaked and ground lentils (usually chana dal or a combination of chana dal and toor dal), onions, green chilies, and spices. It is shaped into small patties and deep-fried until golden brown and crispy.
- Payasam: Payasam, also called Kheer, is a sweet rice pudding that is a favorite dessert during festive occasions. It is made by cooking rice, milk, sugar, and sometimes flavored with cardamom, saffron, and nuts. Variations of payasam include semiya (vermicelli) payasam, paal payasam (made with only milk), and ada pradhaman (made with jaggery and rice flakes).
- Sakkarai Pongal: Sakkarai Pongal is a traditional sweet dish made with rice, moong dal (split yellow lentils), jaggery, ghee, and flavored with cardamom and nuts. It is often prepared as an offering to deities during festivals and is also served as a festive treat to family and guests.
- Vegetable Sambar: Sambar is a flavorful South Indian stew made with lentils, mixed vegetables, tamarind, and a blend of spices. It is served as a main course dish alongside rice or as an accompaniment to idli, dosa, or vada. Sambar is a staple in Tamil cuisine and is enjoyed during Puthandu celebrations.
- Appam: Appam is a soft and fluffy pancake made from fermented rice batter and coconut milk. It has a slightly sweet taste and a spongy texture, making it a delightful accompaniment to savory curries or sweet dishes like coconut milk or jaggery.
These are just a few examples of the special dishes enjoyed during Puthandu festivities. Each dish carries its own significance and adds to the joyous atmosphere of the Tamil New Year celebration.
Some greeting messages
- “Wishing you and your family a joyous Puthandu! May this Tamil New Year bring you prosperity, happiness, and success in all your endeavors.”
- “Happy Puthandu! May the new year be filled with new beginnings, renewed hope, and abundant blessings for you and your loved ones.”
- “On this auspicious occasion of Puthandu, I wish you a year filled with health, wealth, and prosperity. Happy Tamil New Year!”
- “Sending you warm wishes on Puthandu! May this Tamil New Year bring peace, harmony, and love into your life.”
- “Happy Puthandu! May the divine blessings of the almighty shower upon you and your family, guiding you towards a bright and prosperous future.”
- “Wishing you a colorful and joyful Puthandu! May this Tamil New Year be a celebration of togetherness, love, and happiness.”
- “As we welcome the Tamil New Year, let’s cherish the memories of the past year and look forward to new beginnings with optimism and enthusiasm. Happy Puthandu!”
- “On this special day of Puthandu, I pray that you are blessed with good health, wealth, and happiness. Happy Tamil New Year to you and your family!”
- “May the divine grace of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi be with you on this Puthandu, showering you with prosperity and success. Happy Tamil New Year!”
- “Wishing you a blessed and prosperous Puthandu! May this Tamil New Year bring you closer to your goals and fill your life with joy and fulfillment.”
Feel free to personalize these messages or add your own touch to make them even more meaningful for the recipient!
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