Puthuvarudam also known as "Varusha Pirappu," translates to "New Year '' in English. Puthuvarudam falls on April 14th, which marks the beginning of the Tamil new year, and it is also known as "Puthandu'' in Tamil. Puthuvarudam is a joyous occasion that is celebrated with great fervour and enthusiasm by Tamil people all over the world. The festival is a time for new beginnings, with people engaging in various traditional customs and rituals to usher in the New Year with auspiciousness and prosperity.
One of the main customs of Puthuvarudam is the preparation of a special dish called "Mangai Pachadi," which is a mixture of raw mangoes, jaggery, neem flowers, tamarind, and other ingredients. It is believed that tasting this dish during Puthuvarudam brings good fortune. People also decorate their homes with colourful Kolam (Rangoli) designs in front of their houses to welcome the New Year. Traditional music and dance performances are organized, and people wear new clothes and exchange greetings and gifts with their loved ones. Many also visit temples to seek blessings for a prosperous year ahead.
