Tamil New Year 2026: The History and Rituals Behind Puthandu

Tamil New Year — known as Puthandu in Tamil Nadu and Aluth Avuruddu among Sri Lankan Tamils — is observed on April 14th each year, coinciding with the sun's entry into the constellation Aries (Mesha Rasi) according to the solar calendar. Unlike the Gregorian calendar, which is based on the Earth's orbit around the sun, the Tamil calendar is a sidereal solar calendar aligned with fixed stars, making April 14th (occasionally 15th) the invariable date of the new year.

Traditional observances include waking before sunrise, viewing the kanni (auspicious sight — often a plate of flowers, betel leaves, fruits, gold, and silver) as the first thing seen in the new year, eating the traditional Puthandu Pachadi (a dish combining sweet, sour, bitter, and spicy flavours representing the varied experiences of life ahead), and exchanging sweets and blessings with family and neighbours. In Canada, community celebrations transform April 14th into a full day of cultural performances, games, and feasting.