Puthandu

Tamil

Also known as: Tamil New Year, Puthu Varusham

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2026 Tamil Date

Puthandu

About Puthandu

Puthandu marks the Tamil New Year, celebrated on the first day of the Tamil month of Chithirai (April-May). It is a day of new beginnings and fresh starts.

People wake up early, take an oil bath, and wear new clothes. A special tray with fruits, flowers, and betel leaves is arranged and viewed first thing in the morning (Kai-vishesham).

In Tamil Nadu, homes are decorated with kolam and mango leaves. Families prepare festive meals and visit temples to seek blessings for the new year.

Vrat Vidhi & Fasting Rules

Puthandu is a celebratory festival marking the Tamil New Year.

Step-by-Step Fasting Procedures:

Wake up early and view the Kai-vishesham tray.
Take an oil bath and wear new clothes.
Decorate the house with kolam and mango leaves.
Visit temples and seek blessings for the new year.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is Kai-vishesham?

Kai-vishesham is a special tray arranged with fruits, flowers, betel leaves, and other auspicious items. Viewing it first thing on Puthandu morning is believed to bring good fortune.

Note: All timings are represented in 24-hour notation in local time of the selected location with DST adjustment (if applicable).

Hours which are past midnight are suffixed with next day date. In Panchang, a day starts and ends with local sunrise.