Puthandu 2024: All about Tamil New Year
Also known as Varusha Pirappu, the Tamil New Year is celebrated on the first day of the Tamil month- Chitterai.
housing.comHere’s the latest concise update on Tamil New Year (Puthandu):
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Puthandu 2026 is celebrated on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, marking the Tamil New Year and the start of the Tamil solar year. This date aligns with the first day of the Tamil month Chithirai, and many communities observe rangoli, temple prayers, and a special meal including mango pachadi. The holiday is widely observed by Tamil communities in India and abroad, with regional rituals varying but the core theme of new beginnings remaining constant.[1][4]
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Typical observances include reading the Panchangam (almanac) for auspicious times, decorating homes with kolam, wearing new clothes, and preparing a festive feast. Common dishes feature traditional items like mango pachadi that symbolize life’s flavors, along with vegetarian dishes and Pongal-type preparations in many households.[4][1]
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Notable context: Puthandu is also known as Varusha Pirappu and corresponds to the Tamil month of Chitterai/Chithirai depending on local solar calculations. If the solar sankranti (transit) occurs between sunrise and sunset, it is celebrated that same day; if after sunset, the following day is observed in some communities.[4]
Illustration (example): A typical Puthandu setup includes a decorative flower/kolam at the entrance, a tray with fruits and a sugarcane stalk, and a reading of the Panchangam to begin the year with blessings.[1]
If you’d like, I can pull specific muhurats (auspicious times) for a city near Paris-friendly time zones or provide a simple menu for a Tamil New Year celebration. Would you like that?[1][4]