Tamil New Year 2017: Here’s how you can celebrate Puttandu

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The Tamil New Year or Putthandu or Varasha Pirappu is celebrated on the first day of the Chittirai month of the Tamil Calendar. The day ushers in a new beginning and brings with it auspiciousness. This year, it will be celebrated on April 14.

New Year symbolises new beginning and hence Tamil people begin the day by looking at the Kani to embark upon a new journey with goodness in abundance.

What is Kani?

A rangoli made of rice flour is made on the floor. Then a tray full of whole fruits and vegetables - bananas, mangoes, jackfruit, cucumber, pumpkin etc, flowers, coins, gold and silver jewellery and new clothes are kept on the rangoli. A mirror is kept vertically behind the tray so that the ingredients reflect clearly in the mirror. The Kani is usually assembled on the eve of the New Year, so that the first think people can do on the following day is to view the contents of the tray clearly from the mirror reflection.

After viewing the Kani, people take bath and wear new clothes. The women of the house decorate the entrance of their house with Kolam (rangoli) and use torans made of mango leaves for the main door.

Then they light a lamp, incense and garland the idols/photos of the Gods and Goddesses and offer their prayers.

After seeking blessings from the Gods, they prepare pacchadi – the most important preparation for the occasion, sweets and other special recipes.

And then they head to a temple for an auspicious beginning.

The significance of the Pacchadi

The Pacchadi or chutney prepared with grated raw mango, tamarind pulp, jaggery, chilli, neem flowers and salt is consumed as the main prasad. It inspires people to embrace life and its varied offerings.

After visiting a temple, relatives, friends, well-wishers and neighbours greet each other Puttandu Nal Vazthukkal and exchange sweets and delicacies.