Varusha Pirappu or Puthandu

Varusha Pirappu or Puthandu

Varusha Pirappu also known as Puthandu, marks the Tamil New Year’s Day and is celebrated in the beginning of Chithirai – the first month in the Tamil Calendar year. The auspicious occasion of Varusha Pirappu or the birth of New Year usually falls on 13th or 14th April according to the Gregorian Calendar. Tamilians all over the world celebrate Puthandu as the day when Lord Brahma, the Hindu God of Creation started the creation and they celebrate it in a big way by merrymaking and feasting.

Rituals
Specific traditions and rituals are followed on this day. Early in the morning, womenfolk adorn the entrance of their house with colorful Kolam patterns. Centre of the Kolam is decorated with a lamp called kuthuvillakku in a belief that it would dispel darkness. It is also customary for people to pay visit to temple and pray for divine blessings for the coming year.