Tamil New Year

Tamil New Year History

The Tamil New Year, also known as Puthandu, marks the commencement of the Tamil calendar year. It serves as a period of renewal, growth and prosperity. Festivities include a particular focus on religious and cultural rituals, encompassing special prayers, feasting on traditional Tamil cuisine, display of ornamental designs called 'kolams' and exchange of gifts. Tamil New Year transcends the borders of Tamil speaking regions, reaching far and wide across the globe to include the Tamil diaspora.

Delving into the history, the Tamil calendar follows a 60-year cycle heavily synchronised with astronomical phenomena, which gives Puthandu a significance similar to other New Year celebrations. Though Puthandu is inherently Tamil, its observance has found a place in the multicultural fabric of the United Kingdom owing to the immigrant Tamil population. It acts as a living memoir of the Tamil community’s vibrant cultural heritage and traditions. In addition, it may often overlap with other South Asian New Year’s celebrations like Vaisakhi and Vishu, thereby providing a slice of cultural diversity for the larger UK populace.

In the United Kingdom, the Tamil New Year carries an added strength of community bonding. The celebration usually involves local Tamil organisations and temples holding special prayers, cultural programmes and public feasts. The dates might vary slightly due to the time difference and the position of the moon, but it generally falls in mid-April, connecting the UK Tamil community to its roots while contributing to the diverse cultural tapestry of the UK.

Facts about Tamil New Year

• A ritual called Kanni is performed on morning of Puthandu. The Pooja room is decorated with a large mirror as well as with trays holding different assortments. These include signs of prosperity like fruit, flowers, and jewelry. An altar is lit and then families usually visit their local temple.
• Neem flowers and fresh mangoes, which are in full bloom during this season are believed to be a sign of prosperity. They are used to prepare Maanga Pachadi - a New Year's Eve dish which is sweet, sour and bitter to signify different aspects of life.
• Many Tamils visit temples for special pujas and prayers on this day. In the UK, the Highgatehill Murugan Temple and the Shri Mahalakshmi Temple are popular places of worship where special prayers are offered during Tamil New Year.

In the News and Trending in the UK for Tamil New Year

Top things to do in the UK for Tamil New Year

• Make your own Kolam. Kolams are South Indian decorative designs traditionally drawn on the doorsteps of homes. They are thought to bring prosperity. Kolams are made with materials such as rice flour, chalk, chalk powder and rock powder. Take a look at these examples.
• Visit the Highgate Hill Murugan Temple – Archway, London: This temple is known to celebrate Tamil New Year with grandeur. Traditional rituals and prayers will be held, followed by cultural and music events.
• Attend the Tamil New Year Festival organised by London's Tamil Community Centre: This event brings together people of Tamil descent from all over the city to partake in traditional food, music, dance, and other cultural festivities.