📅 Puthandu / Tamil New Year – April 14, 2026 (Tuesday)
Festival: Puthandu / Tamil Varusha Pirappu
Date: Tuesday, 14 April 2026
Region: Tamil Nadu, Sri Lanka Tamil community
Significance: Beginning of the Tamil New Year – Hevilambi Year (or according to 2026 cycle)
Other Names: Varusha Pirappu, Chithirai Pongal
🌅 Panchang & Muhurat – 14 April 2026
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Day | Tuesday |
| Sunrise | 05:56 AM |
| Sunset | 06:45 PM |
| Solar Month | Chithirai Masam begins |
| Tithi | Tritiya Tithi (Starts: 05:18 AM, Apr 14 – Ends: 02:40 AM, Apr 15) |
| Nakshatra | Krittika (Till 12:02 AM, Apr 15) |
| Yoga | Harshana (Till 02:52 PM) → Vajra |
| Karana | Gara (Till 03:45 AM, Apr 15) |
| Sankranti | Sun in Mesha Rashi (Mesha Sankranti was on Apr 13, but Tamil New Year celebrated Apr 14) |
| Auspicious Time | Morning Puja: 06:00 AM – 10:00 AM |
| Rashi | Sun in Aries (Start of Tamil Solar Calendar) |
🌺 About Puthandu (Tamil New Year)
Puthandu, also known as Tamil New Year or Varusha Pirappu, marks the beginning of the Tamil calendar. The new year starts when the Sun enters Mesha Rashi (Aries), signaling the beginning of Chithirai Masam.
It is one of the most culturally rich and spiritually auspicious days for Tamil communities in India and worldwide.
🌟 Cultural & Spiritual Significance
1️⃣ Beginning of Chithirai Month
Chithirai marks renewal, prosperity, growth, and auspicious beginnings. Temples across Tamil Nadu celebrate with elaborate rituals.
2️⃣ Traditional Beliefs
The day is believed to bring good fortune, peace, and abundance for the entire year. Families clean their homes, decorate entrances with Kolam, and prepare festive foods like Mango Pachadi.
3️⃣ Symbol of Renewal
Puthandu symbolizes the balance of nature, as Mesha Sankranti marks the Sun’s transition into a new energy cycle.
🎉 Customs and Rituals
🌸 1. Mangala Darshan
People start the day by seeing auspicious items called “Kanni”, which includes:
- Fruits
- Flowers
- Gold or silver items
- Mirrors
- Betel leaves
- New clothes
It symbolizes prosperity throughout the year.
🕉️ 2. Temple Visits
Devotees visit temples like:
- Meenakshi Amman Temple
- Kapaleeswarar Temple
- Brihadeeswarar Temple
Special abhishekam, alankaram, and archana are performed.
🍽️ 3. Traditional Food
The signature dish is Mango Pachadi, which includes sweet, sour, bitter, and tangy flavours, symbolizing all emotions of life.
🎁 4. Greetings & Blessings
People greet each other:
“Iniya Puthandu Nalvazhthukkal!”
(Meaning: Happy Tamil New Year)
🎶 5. Cultural Events
- Chithirai festivals
- Traditional dance and music
- Community celebrations
📖 Long Informative Article
Puthandu, or Tamil Varusha Pirappu, is a deeply symbolic celebration that represents a vibrant blend of culture, astronomy, and spiritual philosophy. Falling on the first day of the Tamil month Chithirai, this festival aligns with the Sun’s transit into the zodiac sign of Aries, marking the beginning of the Tamil Solar Calendar.
On this day, Tamil households wake up before dawn to prepare an auspicious visual arrangement known as Kanni, believed to invoke prosperity. Homes are decorated with colourful Kolam designs, symbolizing beauty and good fortune. The festive atmosphere continues with temple visits, prayers, and community gatherings.
One of the most meaningful traditions is the preparation of Mango Pachadi, a dish that blends sweet, bitter, sour, and spicy tastes—representing the diverse experiences of life. This culinary symbolism emphasizes that the year ahead will include all emotions, and one must accept and grow through them.
Temples across Tamil Nadu, particularly the Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai, hold grand festivities. Large processions, cultural programs, and devotional music contribute to the rich ambience of Chithirai celebrations.
Puthandu is not just the start of a new year—it is a celebration of hope, renewal, gratitude, and the timeless Tamil heritage.
Panchang Official