Tamil New Year

English meaning of the festival

Puthu means new and Aandu means year. Tamil people celebrate Puthaandu, also called Puthuvarudam, as the traditional New Year.

How the date is decided annually

This is the month of Chittirai, the first month of the Tamil solar calendar, and Puthaandu typically falls on 14 April.

Significance of the festival to Hinduism

Puthaandu marks new beginnings. People celebrate Puthaandu to attract newer opportunities and to seek growth in their lives.

How to observe/practice

Homes are decorated with colourful kolams. Special prayer is performed at homes and temples. Devotees visit temples and worship the presiding deities during this period. Special delicacies, including seasonal fruit, are offered to the presiding deities before all family and friends partake.

Synonyms between major Indian languages

Ugadi/Yugadi (Telugu), Nava Varsha (Hindi)

Updated: 25 January 2023