Tamils across the globe are celebrating Puthandu, the Tamil New Year, marking the first day of the Tamil month Chithirai. This festival symbolizes new beginnings and is observed with various traditional customs and rituals.
In Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, families begin the day by viewing the ‘Kanni’—a ceremonial arrangement of auspicious items like fruits, flowers, and mirrors—believed to bring prosperity. Homes are adorned with colorful kolams (rangoli), and people wear new clothes to mark the occasion. Visits to temples and sharing of traditional meals, including dishes like mango pachadi, are integral parts of the celebration.
The Tamil diaspora in countries such as Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, and Mauritius also partakes in the festivities, organizing cultural programs and community gatherings to honor their heritage.
Puthandu serves as a time for reflection, renewal, and the strengthening of familial and community bonds, embodying the rich cultural traditions of the Tamil people.