Puthandu 2024: When is Tamil New Year? 5 Fun Facts, History and Significance

Puthandu is a significant festival celebrated in Tamil Nadu and this special occasion is eagerly awaited by the Tamil people. Puthandu is the Tamil word for new year and the event marks the first day of Chitterai, a Tamil calendar month. Under the Tamil calendar, Sankranti falls on a day that is celebrated as New Year’s Day if it occurs after dawn and before sunset, and as Puthandu if it falls after sunset.

Many states across the country celebrate their new year around this time. Whether it is Ugadi in Telangana, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, or Poila Baisakh in West Bengal, this is the start of the harvest season and is celebrated with great pomp. During this time, families gather to celebrate traditional rituals and cherish their state’s rich cultural heritage.

Puthandu 2024: Date

According to Drik Panchang, Puthandu will be observed on April 14 this year. The special day will be celebrated on a Sunday. In addition, the Sankranti moment on Puthandu is at 9:15 pm on April 13.

5 Fun Facts About Tamil New Year

1. Solar New YearUnlike many New Year celebrations around the world, Tamil New Year, also called Puthandu, follows a solar calendar. This means it falls on roughly the same date every year on the Gregorian calendar, around April 14.
2. New Beginnings with NaturePuthandu coincides with the beginning of the Tamil month of Chithirai, which marks the start of spring. It’s a time to celebrate new beginnings and harmony with nature.
3. Welcome with a KaniHomes are decorated with a special “Kani” tray filled with auspicious items like fruits, vegetables, coins, and betel leaves. The first thing people see on Puthandu is believed to influence their luck for the coming year, so the Kani is arranged very carefully.
4. Rangoli & Rice PowerColourful and intricate floor art called Kolam is created using rice powder in front of houses. These beautiful designs are believed to welcome prosperity and good luck.
5. A Feast for the SensesPuthandu is a family-oriented celebration. People wear new clothes, visit temples, and enjoy a delicious vegetarian feast. Sweet rice preparations like “Manga Manga Pachadi” are a special treat.

Puthandu 2024: History And Significance

Puthandu’s history began with the Chola dynasty, who ruled over Tamil Nadu and other parts of South India from the ninth to the 13th centuries. The Tamil calendar was created during this time, and the first day of Chitterai month was declared as the Tamil New Year.

Puthandu celebrations mark the beginning of Chitterai, the first month in the Tamil solar calendar. In Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka, people celebrate this day as a public holiday. For the people of Tamil Nadu, Puthandu signifies the beginning of a new year. People visit temples to perform puja to their Kul Devi or Kul Devta. The elderly family members give gifts to the younger ones. In addition, some people conduct Tharpanam pujas in honour of their ancestors’ departed spirits.

Puthandu 2024: Rituals And Celebrations

1. Throughout Tamil Nadu, Puthandu is observed with great fervour and commitment.
2. People get up early to clean their homes and take a holy bath.
3. They also use Kolam to adorn their houses.
4. One significant Puthandu custom is gift-giving among close friends and family.
5. During puja, sweets and fruits are offered to the god.
6. Devotional music is also played while preparing the Pongal dish.
7. Eating Pongal with mango pachadi, families and loved ones enjoy the day together.
8. The family’s eldest member then reads the Panchangam and shares with them the predictions for the coming year.