Tamil New Year 2023 Calendar: A Guide To Festivals And Events
A Personal Experience with Tamil New Year
Growing up in a Tamil family, the Tamil New Year has always been a significant event in our household. The day would start with a special puja (prayer) and a traditional breakfast of sweet and savory dishes. The highlight of the day was visiting our relatives and friends, exchanging greetings, and sharing sweets. As I grew older, I realized how unique and diverse Tamil culture is, and how the Tamil New Year reflects that diversity. In this article, I will take you through the Tamil New Year 2023 calendar and the festivals and events associated with it.
What is Tamil New Year?
Tamil New Year, also known as Puthandu or Varusha Pirappu, is celebrated by Tamilians all over the world. It usually falls on April 14th or 15th and marks the beginning of the Tamil calendar year. The Tamil calendar follows the solar cycle and is a combination of ancient Hindu and Tamil traditions. The Tamil New Year is not just a celebration of the start of a new year but also the onset of spring, new beginnings, and a time for family and community gatherings.
Tamil New Year 2023 Calendar
The Tamil New Year 2023 calendar is packed with festivals and events that showcase the rich culture and traditions of Tamil Nadu. Here are some of the most significant events and festivals that you can look forward to:
Puthandu Vazthukal
Puthandu Vazthukal is a traditional New Year greeting that is exchanged among family and friends. It means “Happy New Year” in Tamil and is accompanied by a warm hug or handshake.
Chithirai Thiruvizha
Chithirai Thiruvizha is a ten-day festival celebrated in the Tamil month of Chithirai (April-May). The festival marks the re-enactment of the celestial wedding of Lord Sundareswarar (Lord Shiva) and Goddess Meenakshi (Parvati) in Madurai. The festival is famous for its colorful processions, music, dance, and street food.
Vishu
Vishu is a harvest festival celebrated in Kerala and Tamil Nadu on the same day as Tamil New Year. The festival is celebrated with the Vishukani, which is an arrangement of items that symbolize prosperity and abundance. Vishu is also a time for gifting and feasting.
Rama Navami
Rama Navami is a Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Rama, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The festival falls on the ninth day of the Hindu month of Chaitra (March-April) and is celebrated with prayers, fasting, and feasting.
Ugadi
Ugadi is a New Year festival celebrated in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka. The festival marks the beginning of a new year and is celebrated with the Ugadi Pachadi, which is a dish made with six different tastes – sweet, sour, bitter, salty, spicy, and tangy. The dish symbolizes the different experiences of life.
Question & Answer
Q: What is the significance of Tamil New Year? A: Tamil New Year marks the beginning of the Tamil calendar year and is a time for new beginnings, family gatherings, and community celebrations. Q: What are some of the festivals celebrated during Tamil New Year? A: Some of the festivals celebrated during Tamil New Year include Chithirai Thiruvizha, Vishu, Rama Navami, and Ugadi. Q: What is the Vishukani? A: The Vishukani is an arrangement of items that symbolize prosperity and abundance. It is a part of the Vishu festival celebrated in Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
Conclusion
The Tamil New Year 2023 calendar is a mix of ancient Hindu and Tamil traditions that reflect the diversity of Tamil culture. The festivals and events associated with the Tamil New Year are a time for celebration, reflection, and new beginnings. Whether you are a Tamilian or not, the Tamil New Year is an opportunity to learn about a rich and vibrant culture and celebrate with friends and family. Puthandu Vazthukal!