Tamil New Year

Tamil Puthandu / Varusha Pirappu

Tamil Calendar follows the Solar calendar. A solar calendar is a calendar whose dates indicate the position of the earth on its revolution around the sun. The Earth travels in an eliptical path around the Sun through 360 degrees (Paakai), and the time period for one such complete travel around the Sun is called an Year.

The period of travel of the Sun in each House or Raasi is known as a "Thingal"- a Month. Hence for the Sun to travel through the twelve House or Rasis to complete one cycle, it takes twelve Thingals which is known as an "Aandu" - a Year

As per the Hindu mythical legends, Lord Brahma started creation of the universe.


Tamil Seasons:
#
Tamil Season (Kaalam)
English Period
Tamil Month (Thingal)
English Month
1
Ilavenil
Mild sunny
Chiththirai, Vaikaasi
mid April to mid June
2
Muthuvenil
Intense Sunny period
Aani, Aadi
mid June to mid August
3
Kaar
Cloudy rainy
Aavani, Purataasi
mid August to mid October
4
Kuthir
Cold period
Iyppassi, Kaarthihai
mid October to mid December
5
Munpani
Early Misty period (evening dew)
Maarkali, Thai
mid December to mid February
6
Pinpani
Late Misty period (morning dew)
Maasi, Panguni
mid February to mid April

The days of the Tamil Calendar relate to the celestial bodies in the solar system: Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, and Saturn, in that order. The week starts with Sunday.

There are several references in early Tamil literature to the April new year. Nakkirar the author of the Nedunalvaadai (3rd century), Koodaloor Kizhaar the author of Puranaanoor (3rd century), and Ilangovadigal the author of Silappadikaaram (8th century) mentions the 12 Raasis or zodiac signs starting with Mesha/Chitterai (Sun Travels Mesha House to Meena House).

Chitterai Thiruvizha is celebrated in the Meenakshi Temple , Madurai ( Temple City ) and a big Car Festival is held at Tiruvidaimarudur near Kumbakonam. It is said on this day, Goddess Meenakshi got married to Lord Sundareswarar.
Viewing Kanni or auspicious things is considered a major part of Tamil New Year. People also look at things like jewellery made of gold and silver along with food items like vegetables, nuts, coconuts, fruits also betel leaves and flowers as they are considered as auspicious which brings good fortune for the year. As the legend goes, seeing auspicious things early this day brings fortune throughout the year. The auspicious sight is then followed by a ritual bath and visiting temple to pray for a prosperous and happy New Year. After which, the Tamil Panchangam, a book on New Year predictions, is anointed with sandalwood and turmeric paste, flowers and vermilion powder, and is placed before the deity. Later, it is read or listened to either at home or at the temple.The kani comprises first vegetables of the new season, fruits like jackfruit, mango, coconut, gold items, a photo of the god, new silk clothes, lamp and most important - the Kani Koona poo (a yellow coloured flower). "All these items are kept in bowl filled with rice and placed in front of a mirror.

The event is also observed with the 'Arpudu' or the first ploughing of the ground to prepare for the new agricultural cycle. The 'punya-kaalam' or auspicious time when the sun reportedly to Mesha raasi is considered ideal to commence new activities on a favorable note.
The day is marked with a feast in homes and household is thoroughly cleaned and tastefully decorated - the doorways are garlanded with mango leaves strung together and Vilakku Kolam decorative patterns adorn the floors. A special dish is prepared on this day which is called “Maanga Pachadi”. It is made from neem flowers, jaggery and raw mango.