Tamil New Year

Tamil New Year, also known as Puthandu, is a significant cultural observance among the Tamil community worldwide. It generally represents the advent of Spring, the reaping of harvests and is a time to celebrate prosperity and wellness. This observance is filled with multiple cultural rituals and practices like home – adornment, wearing new clothes, feasting on a specially prepared meal, and visits to temples. The day is also marked with a unique practice of viewing 'Kanni' - the auspicious sight, which is believed to bring good fortune for the entire year.

The Tamil New Year has roots dating back to thousands of years, tying to the Hindu solar calendar and the zodiac sign of Mesha Rashi or Aries. The observance has been traditionally celebrated in many parts of the world where the Tamil community has a presence, including Australia. The people of Tamil origin in Australia often view this as an important opportunity to uphold their cultural identity, maintain ties with their roots, and pass on traditions to the younger generation.

In Australia, the Observance of Tamil New Year is usually marked by get-togethers and community celebrations within the Tamil diaspora. Events can include cultural music and dance performances, meals featuring traditional Tamil cuisine, and religious activities. It is a day for Tamil Australians to rekindle their social links and strengthen their community spirit. The observance typically occurs in mid-April following the southern hemisphere's vernal equinox, aligning with the commencement of the traditional Tamil solar calendar, but the specific dates can vary slightly from year to year based upon the astronomical calculations.