Puthandu

Puthandu - புத்தாண்டு (Tamil New Year)

The Tamil New Year (variously called the Thamizh Puthaandu and Thamizh Varusha Pirappu) and Vishu are celebrated on the same day respectively in the Southern Indian states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. They generally fall on 13 April or 14 April. The first month of the Tamil New Year is called Chithrai. Every year in the month of Chithrai, in the temple city of Madurai, the Chithrai Thiruvizha is celebrated in the Meenakshi Temple. A huge exhibition is also held, called Chithrai Porutkaatchi. In some parts of Southern Tamil Nadu, it is also called Chithrai Vishu. The day is marked with a feast in Hindu homes and the entrance to the houses is decorated elaborately with kolams.

On the Tamil New Year's Day, a big Car Festival is held at Tiruvadamarudur near Kumbakonam. Festivals are also held at Tiruchirapalli, Kanchipuram and many other places.

The twelve months of the Tamil Year are given below. Dates in parentheses are not exact and usually vary by a day or two.

Chithrai (April 14 - May 14) - The Chithraa Pournami is an auspicious day - the full moon day in the month of Chithrai.

Vaikaasi (May 15 - June 14) - Vaikaasi Visaakam is the most important day in this month.

Aani (June 15 - July 14).

Aadi (July 15 - August 14) - A most important month for women. The most auspicious days are Fridays and Tuesdays in this month, called Aadi VeLLi and Aadi Chevvai and the Aadi Amavasya. Aadi Pooram is also a special day.

Aavani (August 15 - September 15) - An important month with many rituals. Brahmins change their sacred thread on Aavani Avittam.

Purattaasi (September 15 - October 15) - An important month for Vaishnavas. Purattaasi Sani(Saturday) is an auspicious day.

Aippasi (October 15 - November 14) - The monsoons typically start in this month over TamilNadu. Hence the saying, "Aippasi Mazhai, adai mazhai" - meaning "Aippasi rains are persistent rains".

Karthikai (November 15 - December 14) - Another auspicious month for Murugan devotees. The Krithikaa Pournami is a special day as it is the full moon day in the month of Kaarthikai, and the star on that day is Krithikaa.

Maargazhi (December 15 - January 14) - This is again a special month in the Tamil Calendar. Temples open early in the mornings. Devotees throng the temples early in the mornings for puja and prasadam - the offerings made to the deity that is distributed to the devotees. Arudra Darisanam (Thiruvaadirai star in Tamil) is the most auspicious day in this month. This is also a very popular festival in Kerala, where it is just called Thiruvaadira. The offering made to Lord siva is the Thiruvaadira KaLi.

Thai(pronounced Thy) (January 15 - February 14) - The special month when Pongal is celebrated on the first day. Thai Sukrawaaram is a popular day among Telugu speaking peoples settled in Tamil Nadu. Thaipusam is also a special day for Murugan devotees, who carry Kavadis to one of the Arupadaiveedu.

Maasi (February 15 - March 14) - Maasi Magam is the special day.

Panguni (March 15 - April 13) - The last month. Panguni Uthiram is a famous festival and special to Murugan devotees.

The State Government of Tamil Nadu declares it a holiday. Offices and schools remain closed. However, shops remain open and do brisk business on this day.

The active film industry of the state also releases a few new films on this day, and cinemas usually overflow with eager fans waiting to watch the earliest show of their favourite stars on the big screen.