Puthandu or the Tamil New Year is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervour by Tamilians across the world. Every year, Puthandu is celebrated on the first day in the month of Chitterai, as per the Tamil calendar and it usually falls in mid-April in the Gregorian calendar. And so, this year Puthandu falls on the April 14, 2023 (Friday). The festival is also known as Puthuvarudam, and it signifies new beginnings, hope, and joy.
On this auspicious occasion, people get up early in the morning, clean their homes, wear new clothes, make special dishes for the festival, visit temples to pray for a fulfilling and joyous New Year, and meet and greet friends and family. On this day, people also perform a traditional ceremony called "Kanni" or the "first sight" ritual. According to it, people start their day by looking at items that they believe would bring immense good luck and happiness in their lives.
