INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
New Year, is said to be the first day of the year on the Tamil calendar
It is observed with the solar cycle of the lunisolar Hindu calendar, as the first day of the Tamil month Chithirai
It falls almost on 14th April every year
Not just Tamil New Year, this day also marks the beginning of New Year in Assam, West Bengal, Punjab, Manipur, Odisha, et al
People celebrate this day with much fervour and joy
Here's how Puthandu, or Tamil New Year, is celebrated across the state.Tamil New Year (Puthandu) 2018: Importance And Celebration Of The
This day is celebrated with neem flowers and raw mangoes, which symbolise growth and prosperity
On the eve of Puthandu, a plateful of three fruits, including mango, banana and jackfruit, betel leaves, areca nuts, gold/silver jewellery,
money, flowers, and a mirror are arranged
This plate is the first thing that people see in the morning after waking up
Post this, people take bath early morning and offer pongal to the gods
People in Tamil Nadu prepare huge feasts, which makes this occasion even more interesting
A special dish known as Mangai-pachadi is prepared from a variety of flavours
It is generally made using jaggery, mustard, raw mango, neem and red chillies
Such festive delicacies that combine different flavours are a symbolic reminder that one has to taste all the flavours of experiences in
life; no matter it is sweet or bitter, experiences and changes are inevitable
