Puthandu

Origins and history

This festival aligns with the spring equinox and follows the solar cycle of the Hindu calendar. Ancient Tamil literature, including works by Nakkirar and Kūdalūr Kiḻār, references this April new year. Scholars note that similar celebrations in Southeast Asia likely stem from shared Indic culture in the first millennium CE. Inscriptions from Burma and Thailand also confirm the long-standing tradition of defining the year starting in mid-April.

How it is kept

On the eve of the festival, households arrange a special tray called a kani or Vishukani. This display includes mangoes, bananas, jackfruit, betel leaves, gold jewelry, coins, flowers, and a mirror. The first sight upon waking is considered highly auspicious. People wear new clothes, visit local temples, and greet one another with wishes for a happy new year. Children seek blessings from elders, who often give gifts in return.

Regional variations

In Madurai, the Chithirai Thiruvizha features a grand car festival at the Meenakshi Temple. In Kongu Nadu, the Chithiraikani ritual mirrors the Kerala practice of Vishu. Sri Lankan Tamils observe the Kai-vishesham, the first financial transaction of the year, and engage in village games like coconut wars. These regional customs highlight local interpretations of the same solar milestone while maintaining core themes of prosperity.

Food and drink

The day culminates in a family feast featuring vegetarian dishes. The meal is shared after temple visits and morning rituals. The festive tray prepared earlier serves as a symbolic representation of wealth and abundance, setting a positive tone for the year ahead. The food itself is simple, focusing on the communal aspect of breaking bread together to celebrate the new beginning.

Today and change

While traditionally fixed to the solar calendar, political attempts were made in Tamil Nadu to shift the date to January. These efforts faced significant public resistance and were eventually rescinded. Today, Puthandu remains firmly established in mid-April. Communities in Malaysia, Singapore, and other diaspora locations continue to celebrate openly, often alongside other Indian ethnic groups, ensuring the tradition thrives globally.

How Puthandu is kept

Families clean their homes and decorate entrances with colored rice powder designs. A tray containing fruits, jewelry, coins, and a mirror is arranged before dawn. Upon waking, the first sight of this tray is believed to bring good luck. People dress in new attire, visit temples, and exchange greetings. Elders bless younger members, who may receive pocket money or gifts. The day ends with a shared vegetarian feast among relatives.

When and where

It falls on April 14 each year, determined by the first day of Chittirai in the Tamil solar calendar. This date coincides with the spring equinox and is consistent across the Gregorian calendar.

It is primarily celebrated in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry in India. It is also widely observed in Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, Mauritius, and Réunion. The Tamil diaspora in countries like Myanmar, South Africa, Canada, and Australia also marks the occasion.

What Puthandu means

The festival symbolizes renewal, prosperity, and the cyclical nature of time. The first sight ritual ensures that the coming year begins with positive energy and abundance. Respecting elders reinforces family bonds and filial piety. The shared meal and temple visits strengthen community ties and spiritual devotion.

Days Puthandu is marked

Puthandu dates: 2026, 2027, 2028

Questions people ask about Puthandu

See also

DiwaliA five-day festival of lights celebrated across India and its diaspora to mark the victory of light over darkness.MawlidAn annual festival marking the birth of the Prophet Muhammad, marked by poetry, processions and feasts.HoliA spring festival of colours and bonfires that marks the end of winter and the triumph of good over evil.Water lanternSmall lamps floated on water to honour the dead and ask for good fortune

Good reading and sources

• Jaya changes DMKs calendar,Tamil new year in April nowThe Indian Express, Article
• BBC - ReligionsBBC, Article
• Tamil New Year in ChithiraiThe Hindu, Article
• Jaya changes DMKs calendar,Tamil new year in April nowThe Indian Express, Article
• BBC - ReligionsBBC, Article
• Tamil New Year in ChithiraiThe Hindu, Article

• Puthandu on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos and video
• Wikidata recordOpen data

It may contain mistakes. Traditions differ from one family, village and community to the next, and the people who keep them know them best. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-05.