Puthandu, popular known as Varsha pirappu, It is New Years Day for the people of Tamil Nadu in South India. It marks the beginning of the Dravidian New Year in Tamil Nadu. This festival takes place on the first day of the Tamil month Chithiram, which usually falls on April 14. Lord Brahma, (the God of creation, according to Hindu mythology) is believed to have started creating the world on this day. This festival is celebrated with traditional joy and enthusiasm throughout Tamil Nadu.
On the occasion of the Tamil New Year’s Day, Hindus believe that offering special prayers in the temple brings them prosperity. It is also the day to give an auspicious start to the next year by looking at all the beautiful and wonderful things like gold, fresh fruits, vegetables, rice, betel leaves, nuts and coconuts, which are kept in a decorated pile in front of the deity of the wreath. The focus is on year-round prosperity and a prayer of thanks to the gods.
Varsha pirappu begins by seeing the Kani of auspicious things. Early in the morning on Tamil New Years Day, the entrance to the house is decorated with Kolam (Rangoli), a design made with rice flour. The portals are decorated with mango leaves to mark the auspiciousness of the occasion. After an early ritual bath, the whole family prays together. Children receive the blessings of their parents.
During lunch a special dish called ‘Maanga Pachadi’ is served, made from raw mangoes, brown sugar and neem flowers. This signifies all the different aspects of our life, reminding us that we must face happiness and pain just as easily. Since this festival marks the beginning of the New Year, the food that is prepared is very special, with special emphasis on legumes and cereals.
The family together enjoy the special lunch. The rest of the day is spent visiting various family and friends and exchanging New Year’s greetings. Gifts are also given to domestic workers and others.
Large numbers of devotees wait in queues from dawn at temples, especially temples like Meenakshi temple in Madurai, Manakkula Vinayagar temple in Puducherry, etc. have a darshan.
On this auspicious day, a great Automobile Festival is held in Tiruvadamarudur, near Kumbakonam. Festivals are also held in Tiruchirapalli, Kanchipuram and many other places. Various fairs and cultural programs are also organized at different locations throughout the state to commemorate the occasion.
On the same day, the New Year is also celebrated in other parts of India.