Tamil New Year 2022: Date, History, Significance, and Puthandu Rituals

On the occasion of Puthandu, people in the Tamil diaspora throughout the world gather to celebrate this new year event. The most fascinating fact about Puthandu is that, according to the Gregorian Calendar, it occurs on the same day practically every year. This is the day when people wish each other Puthandu Nalvazthukal, which means Happy New Year.

Tamil New Year : Date of Puthandu 2022

Puthandu is the Tamil Hindu Calendar’s first day. The day will be observed on 14 April this year, according to the Gregorian Calendar. On this day, Tamil Saka Samvata 1944 will begin. In Tamil Nadu, the day is observed as a public holiday, and all public services are denied on that day. On Puthandu, banks, schools, and many administrative residences remain close.

The day is also observed in other regions of the country. In Kerala, it is known as Vishu, in Assam as Bihu, in central and northern India as Baisakhi, and in Odisha as Pohela Sankranti.

History of Puthandu 2022:

On the day of Puthandu, many people believe that Lord Brahma began the creation of the cosmos. In early Tamil literature, there are multiple allusions to the Tamil New Year being celebrated in April. The sun moves from Mesha or Chitterai through 11 signs of the zodiac, according to Nakkirar, an author. Kudulur Kizhaar, another scholar, examined the Mesh Rashi, or Aries zodiac sign, as the start of a new and fresh year.

Tamil New Year Significance of Puthandu 2022

Puthandu festivities kick off the Tamil solar calendar’s first month, Chithirai. In Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka, this day is commemorated as a public holiday. On this day, other states also celebrate the New Year. On this day, West Bengal observes Poyla Boishakh, Kerala observes Vishu, Punjab observes Baisakhi, and Assam observes Bihu.

Rituals of Puthandu 2022:

In Puthandu (Tamil New Year), people make kolam (rangoli which is made of colorful rice) at their main door or entrance. They cook special dishes on this day like Pongal Pachadi, Mango Pachadi, etc. Devotional songs are sung by the family members to invite prosperity, wealth, and happiness in their homes. Also, people gather and enjoy the traditional dance.