Puthandu
Also known as: Tamil New Year, Varusha Pirappu, Chithirai Thirunal
Dates follow the Indian calendar (IST). If you’re outside India, your local temple may observe a day earlier or later for tithi-based festivals.
Puthandu is the Tamil New Year, the first day of the Tamil month of Chithirai. Families start the morning by looking at a tray of auspicious things — fruit, flowers, gold, and a mirror — taste the sweet-sour-bitter raw-mango pachadi as a reminder to accept all of life's flavours, and visit temples to begin the year well.
For your location
Timing Advisory
This festival follows sunrise timings. Local observance may differ by region and timezone. Please check with your local temple or trusted Panchang for exact muhurat.
📋 How to Observe
- 1
Arrange a tray of fruit, flowers, gold, and a mirror to see first thing in the morning
- 2
Prepare and taste mangai pachadi — sweet, sour, and bitter together
- 3
Draw a fresh kolam and wear new clothes
- 4
Visit a temple and set one good intention for the new year
Pandit ji's Message
Dear devotee, Puthandu is a time for spiritual reflection and community celebration. Whether you're observing traditional rituals or adapting them to your modern life, remember that the sincerity of your devotion matters more than elaborate ceremonies. May this festival bring divine blessings to you and your family.
🙏 - Pandit Bala Krishan
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