As the sun rises on this beautiful April 14th, we welcome the vibrant festival of Chithirai Puthaandu, a time to celebrate new beginnings and the blossoming of life!
Did you know that this vibrant festival traces its roots all the way back to the Sangam period (300 BCE - 300 CE)? Talk about deep history!
Puthandu, the New Year, marks the onset of the agricultural season, beautifully coinciding with the month of Chithirai. This auspicious time has been cherished by ancient Hindus, who celebrated the bounty of the earth and the promise of new beginnings
History
According to mythology, Lord Brahma created the universe on the day of Puthandu. There are references in early Tamil literature about the New Year being celebrated in the month of April. It is also believed that Lord Indra, the Prince of Harmony, came to Earth on this day to verify peace and serenity on the planet.
Significance
Celebrants believe that the beginning of the new year brings new hopes and dreams. They celebrate the day with family and friends, and enjoy great vegetarian feasts with high excitement. They also visit temples and offer prayers to God seeking blessings for their family, and for a greater year ahead.
Rituals
A day before the New Year, celebrants adorn the compound of their houses with "kolams" using coloured rice powders and flowers. This is done to welcome a positive vibe and energy into the house.
The celebrants also thoroughly clean their houses the day before New Year, and set up a tray filled with fruits, flowers, and other items which are considered auspicious before the altar, as an offering to the Goddess of Wealth, Laxmi.
In addition, celebrants also take a herbal bath, especially with turmeric, to cleanse themselves for the festival. They then seek blessings from the elders in the family, and sing devotional songs to observe the day.
We would like to wish all Hindus "Iniya Chithirai Puthandu Vaaltukkal'!
Source / Image Credit : CenturyPost , Universal Divine Art, DKSCORE