Tamil New Year- Arulmigu Meenakshi Sundareshwarar Temple

Tamil Nadu celebrates Puthandunew year on the first day of the Tamil month Chithirai The Tamil Puthandu is observed in the month of April Puthandu is distinctive since it usually always falls on the same day each year according to the Gregorian calendar According to Hindu mythology it is believed that Lord Brahmathe creator created the universe on the day of Tamil Puthandu Puthandu also known as Varsha Pirappu is celebrated with a great deal of splendour and pomp by Tamilians across the nation In order to celebrate the new year with their loved ones people decorate their homes arrange special poojas and prepare Pongal. The Arulmigu Meenakshi Sundareshwarar Temple in Madurai commemorates the celebration with special poojas and homams. The people of the state celebrate this occasion by crafting kolams which are designs made of coloured rice flour at the house entrance Families prepare foods with Puthanduspecific dishes such as Pongal and mango pachadi Additionally some individuals make their households prosperous and joyful by singing devotional songs along with special poojas The mouthwatering foods of Puthandu spread also include vadai sambhar sadam rice payasam appalam papad vegetable curry fresh mango pickle and curd in addition to mango pachadi and Pongal The people of the state greet each other by saying Puthandu Nalvalthukal which translates to Happy New Year in English and fall on the feet of elders to express their respect The festival is celebrated by Tamilians all around the globe including Puducherry Sri Lanka Malaysia Singapore Reunion and Mauritius