Puthandu, or the Tamil New Year, is also known as “Varusha Pirappu” in Tamil, which is observed on first day of Tamil month Chithirai.
According to Tamil Solar Calendar, if Sankranti occurs after sunrise and before sunset, the same day is considered as New Year day. If Sankranti occurs after sunset, then the year begins on the next day.
This rule is good for identifying the first day of the year. However, for calculation of auspicious time for performing rituals, pujas and Dan-Punya activities related to Sankranti, the above rules are not sufficient. In that case one should consider the exact moment of Sankranti, because only some specific time duration before or after the Sankranti moment is considered auspicious for performing Sankranti related activities.
On Puthandu Chakkarai Pongal, Vadai, Payasam, Mango Pachadi, Neem flower rasam are a must in the menu. Puthandu falls on Friday, 14 April every year.
