At 9:05 PM ITC (11:35 AM EST), April 13, 2024, Sri Lanka will celebrate the auspicious time of the New Year, although Thamil New Year will be observed on April 14.
Puthandu (புத்தாண்டு), also known as Puthuvarudam (புதுவருடம்), is the Thamil New Year as set by the lunisolar calendar, and is celebrated on the first day of the Thamil month of Chithrai. Many countries across South and Southeast Asia, including Sri Lanka, celebrate the New Year on the same date.
In Hindu tradition, Puthandu is commemorated as the day on which the god Brahma began creation of the universe, as well as when the god Shiva performed his cosmic dance to mark the occasion. During the Chola dynasty of India, the current Hindu calendar was established, and the date of the New Year designated. Because of the dynasty’s influence throughout South and Southeast Asia, the date is observed throughout the region.
Thamil New Year traditions usually begin on the eve of the holiday, when the house is thoroughly cleaned in order to dispose of the old and make room for the new. On the morning of the New Year, the practice of Kani is undertaken, in accordance with the belief that the first thing seen on the morn of the New Year will indicate the fortune for the upcoming year. Therefore, a tray is prepared with items such as money, fruits, flowers, jewelry, and a mirror, and as soon as members of the house awaken, they must view this tray before seeing anything else, in order to bring auspiciousness and prosperity into the following year.
After bathing and prayers, the younger members of the family often visit the elders, which the elders reciprocate by blessing and gifting money to the younger members. There are also many traditional dishes which are prepared for New Year, including mango pachadi, a tangy and sweet mango chutney. The agricultural community also celebrates the breaking of ground for the new planting cycle in a plowing event known as arpudu. Also enjoyed is the game of por-thenkai, also known as “coconut wars.”
Attention all Ilankai Thamil Manram Florida members and guests! Please remember that the Manram will celebrate New Year on April 20, and do not forget to RSVP and sign up for donations. Details of the celebration can be found in the Events section of the Manram website. We look forward to seeing you there!
Very interesting!