Thinking of celebrating Puthandu this year? Online Temple is here to help you out! This is the right time to book special pujas online with us. But much more than that, it is the right time to celebrate the new year like the Tamils do! So, why wait any longer? Let’s learn how the locals do it, and enjoy the traditions in our homes this year. No delays, we promise!
Puthandu 2025 Where A Fresh Start And Vibrant Traditions Await
Puthandu occurs on the 1st day of Chitterai. If we are mentioning the Tamil solar calendar, Puthandu is celebrated on the day Sankranti occurs after sunrise and before sunset. In case it occurs after sunset, the next day is celebrated as the new year. It will be on 14th April this year, coinciding with Baisakhi, Vishu and Bihu.
Significance of Puthandu for the Tamilians
If you are celebrating the day, you need to learn about its importance first. As the new years of other cultures, Puthandu represents renewal and prosperity. It marks the beginning of a new cycle of life. And, this is when the sun enters Aries. Being the symbol of new beginnings, the day is dedicated to Lord Brahma. He is the creator of this world in Hindu lore.
Preparations for Puthandu like the locals do
Any new year in India begins with homes being deep – cleaned and decorated. People draw kolams at the entrance of their home. Rice flour and bright colors are used for these beautiful designs. A mango leaf thoranam is hung on the door to usher in good luck.
The night before Puthandu, families prepare Kanni. Just like the preparations for Vishu, Kanni includes things like fruits, flowers, betel leaves, gold and silver jewelry, lamps and mirrors. The next day, everyone in the family views it first to gain blessings. For people away from their families, they usually conduct an online puja for Navgrah Shanti.
Celebrations of Puthandu
Like every festival in India, people begin the day with a bath and wearing new traditional clothes. Families visit the temple together to offer their prayers and seek blessings. On this day, people greet each other saying “Puthandu Vazthukal”, which is Happy New Year. Elders offer money and gifts to the younger generation. And they touch the elders’ feet to seek their blessings.
Traditional feasts on the day of Puthandu
You’d love this part if you are a foodie waiting to explore new dishes! This feast has our heart as well. Everything in this grand feast is served on banana leaves. It is all vegetarian, including dishes like Payasam, Mango Pachadi and the traditional fiesta. Everything is shared with friends and neighbors. So, if you have a Tamil friend, get excited to try it all out!
Concluding with Tamil Nadu’s cultural and community events
If we are talking about the state’s cultural and community events, there would be no end to the fun! Bharatnatyam is a traditional dance performed in cultural events. Jallikattu is bull taming, while uriyadi is pot breaking. Both of them are common events in the villages on the day of Puthandu. It is a way to welcome the new year by starting everything afresh. This is also why people living away from their families get hawan & yagna services online. It not only purifies their home but also brings in positivity and harmony. Will you start yours this year?