Tamil New Year that is! Today is a National Holiday in the State of Tamil Nadu and there is, once again...no school. Ellie only went back yesterday after Spring Break!
The month of Chitthirai from mid-April to mid-May is the first month of the Tamil calendar. The month usually starts from 14th April, the day known as Tamil New Year. This is an auspicious occasion for Tamilians (people of Tamil origin) living all over the world. People exchange greetings by wishing “Puthandu Vazthukal” – Happy New Year, with great passion. According to Hindu Mythology, this is the day on which Lord Brahma (the creator of the universe) started the creation of the world.
People rise early in the morning and go for 'kanni' – the auspicious sight. The belief is that this brings good fortune throughout the year. The auspicious things may include gold and silver jewellery, betel leaves, nuts, fruits and vegetables, flowers, raw rice and coconuts etc. The auspicious sight is then followed by a ritual bath and visiting temple to pray for a prosperous and happy New Year. After which, the Panchangam (almanac) is read.
The women decorate the entrances of their houses with ‘Kolam’ (design made with rice flour) and the doorway with mango leaves. Another highlight of this festival is the preparation of ‘Maanga Pachadi'. It is a dish made of raw mangoes, jaggery and neem flowers, tasting sweet, sour and bitter one at the same time. This signifies all aspects of our life and tells us to face happiness and sorrow with equal ease.
2 comments:
It sure seems that the festivals and celebrations are plentiful ...
Do you find that you participate in many of the national holidays, or simply observe?
Mainly observe! You can't help but get caught up in Diwali and Pongal though...I'm sure there will just as many festivals and rituals to observe in Delhi...each region has it's special dates in the calendar!
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