Puthandu, the Tamil New Year, falls on Wednesday, 14 April 2027, the first day of the Tamil month of Chithirai, when the Sun enters sidereal Aries (Mesha) at 3:33 PM IST. It begins Plavanga, the 41st year of the 60-year Tamil cycle. Families start the day by viewing an auspicious tray of fruits, jewellery and a mirror (Kani), decorate homes with kolam, wear new clothes, visit temples and prepare a feast including mango pachadi, which blends sweet, sour, bitter and spicy tastes.
The diverse cultures in India are celebrating their new year occasions and follow their rich customs. So now it’s time to celebrate Puthandu, the Tamil New Year! The festival falls on the first day of Chithirai, the first month of the Tamil calendar, and is also known as Varusha Pirappu.
Tamil Puthandu Or Tamil New Year 2027 Date And Tithi Timing
In Tamil Nadu, this is the day when Sankranthi takes place between the period of sunrise and sunset. In case Sankranthi occurs post-sunset, the new year commences on the next day. This year Puthandu will occur as per below date:
| Event | Date & Time |
|---|---|
| Puthandu (Tamil New Year) 2027 | Wednesday, 14 Apr 2027 |
| Sankranti Moment on Puthandu | 03:33 PM, Wednesday, 14 Apr 2027 |
| Tamil Year Begins | Plavanga |
| Shaka Samvat | 1949 |
Significance Of Puthandu Festival
Puthandu is celebrated among the Tamil community as the day of the Universe’s creation by Brahmadeva. Whereas, some people also believe that Lord Indra visited Earth on this day to ensure peace and contentment. Hence, this day is considered to be a highly favourable and significant day of the year.
The Tamil New Year calls for feasting and merrymaking in Southern India, mainly in Tamil Nadu. People observe the day with colossal joy and hope to mark the new cycle of good fortune and prosperity in their lives. Many also regard it as an extremely auspicious day to start new endeavors or businesses.
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Tamil New Year Fact 1: On the day of Tamil New Year, the Sun enters sidereal Aries (Mesha Rashi), the first sign of the zodiac, marking the start of a new solar year. Traditionally, this was linked with the spring equinox, the time of balance between day and night.
Even in Sri Lanka, Puthandu is celebrated almost on the same day each year. This renowned festival is attached with many key references. A poet named Nakkirar had stated that the Sun moves from Mesha Rashi or Chithirai through 11 signs of the zodiac. Koodalur Kizhar considered the Aries zodiac sign as the start of a New Year.
Tamil New Year Celebrations & Rituals
Puthandu, the day of new beginnings, is considered noteworthy in terms of renewing of hopes and affectionate bonds. The festivities of the event begin with religious ceremonies to maintain the sacredness of the festival.
- ‘Kanni’ is a well-known custom followed one day prior to the rituals, which is called as an auspicious first sight of the New Year. A plate filled with jewelry, fruits, betel leaves, cash, flowers, and a mirror is decorated and kept to ensure that it is seen at first. It is believed that sighting this ‘Kanni’ at first invites prosperity and happiness in the upcoming Year.
- People embellish their homes and surroundings with ‘Kolam’ made of powdered rice flour. A lamp known as ‘Kuthuvilakku’ is kept in the middle of this rangoli or Kolam, which signifies the eradication of darkness from one’s life.
- Everyone wears new clothes of bright colour and they greet each other with good wishes of ’Puthandu Vazhthukkal’ or ‘Iniya Puthandu Nalvazhthukkal’, meaning ‘Happy New Year’.
Tamil New Year Fact 2: Tamil New Year follows a 60-year cycle. The current cycle began in 1987 (Prabhava) and runs until 2047. Puthandu 2027 begins Plavanga, the 41st year of the cycle.
- People eat vegetarian food on this pious day. Tasty dishes are prepared for the New Year feast. In Sri Lanka, where Tamil and Sinhala New Year fall together, sweets like Kokis, Aluwa and Kavum are also popular. Other delicacies like Mango pachadi (a mixture of jaggery, chillies, neem leaves, salt, flowers, and tamarind), appalam, payasam, paruppu vadai, aviyal, curd, and veppam poo rasam are also prepared
- Children are given gifts and cash as blessings from elders.
- Devotees gain divine blessings by visiting temples and paying reverence to deities. A few Tamilian families also perform holy rituals such as ‘Tharpanam’ for the salvation of their ancestors’ departed souls.
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- The highlights of the season include a car festival at Tiruvidaimarudur and, later in the month of Chithirai, the Chithirai Thiruvizha in Madurai, which celebrates the divine marriage of Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar.
Wrapping Up
The grand festival of Puthandu, the first day of the Tamil New Year is observed with much gusto and traditions. It is also a day of New Year celebration across various other regions of India, but with distinct names. Pana Sankranti in Odisha and Baisakhi in Punjab are celebrated on the same day, while Vishu in Kerala and Pohela Boishakh in West Bengal fall on the next day in 2027 (15 April). Indeed, India is a land of great diversity and magnificence, isn’t it!
Puthandu Vazhthukkal! Wish you all a Happy Tamil New Year.
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The GaneshaSpeaks.com Team
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FAQs
When is Puthandu or Tamil New Year celebrated in 2027?
Puthandu, the Tamil New Year, is celebrated on the first day of Chithirai, the first month of the Tamil calendar. In 2027, it will be observed on April 14th.
What is the significance of Puthandu?
Puthandu is considered the day of the Universe’s creation by Brahmadeva and is also believed to be the day when Lord Indra visited Earth to ensure peace and contentment. It marks a new beginning, symbolizing hope, prosperity, and the start of a new solar year.
How is Puthandu celebrated in Tamil Nadu?
In Tamil Nadu, Puthandu is celebrated with feasting and merrymaking. People engage in religious ceremonies, start new endeavors, and enjoy traditional foods to welcome the new year with joy and hope.
What astronomical event coincides with Puthandu?
On the day of Puthandu, the Sun enters sidereal Aries (Mesha Rashi), marking the start of a new solar year. This event traditionally aligns with the spring equinox, symbolizing a balance between day and night.
What is the 60-year cycle associated with the Tamil New Year?
The Tamil New Year follows a 60-year cycle. The current cycle began in 1987 with the year Prabhava and runs until 2047. Puthandu 2027 marks the beginning of Plavanga, the 41st year of this cycle.