What is Puthandu?
Puthandu, the Tamil New Year, falls on the first day of the Tamil month of Chithirai, usually on 14 April. It is celebrated in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Sri Lanka and by Tamil communities around the world.
How it is celebrated
Homes are cleaned and decorated with colourful kolams, and families wear new clothes and visit temples. Many families arrange a tray of fruits, flowers, gold and a mirror to see first thing in the morning, similar to Kerala's Vishukkani.
Maanga pachadi
A special dish called maanga pachadi is made from raw mango, jaggery, neem flowers and chilli. Its sweet, sour and bitter tastes remind everyone that life brings many flavours. The new year's panchangam is also read at temples and homes.