Today marks a very special day for Tamilians, as they come together to celebrate the Tamil New Year, called Puthandu, also known locally as Varusha Pirappu or Puthurusham. This occasion marks the start of the Tamil month Chithirai, symbolizing renewal, a light of positivity, and garden-fresh opportunities.
In the UAE, as many expats fill up the country from South India, residents believe in “keeping the spirit” going by celebrating it in their beautiful ways.
Spiritual Significance, Mythology
Puthandu is deeply rooted in spiritual beliefs and Tamil cultural traditions. It is widely held that Lord Brahma, the creator in Hindu mythology, began crafting the universe on this day.
Another legend speaks of Lord Indra’s descent to Earth to spread happiness and optimism. As such, the day is considered especially lucky for shooting new ventures, business endeavors, or evaluating bigger life decisions.
Shruthi Surendranathan, a Communications Professional working in the UAE, shared that to mark the first day of the Tamil calendar (the month of Chithirai), people usually prepare special dishes like “Mangai Pachadi.” Made using raw mango, jaggery, neem flowers, salt, and chilli, the dish brings together all six tastes—sweet, sour, bitter, spicy, salty, and astringent—in one preparation.
“This symbolizes that life has both sweet and bitter moments, and we should accept all with balance,” she explained.
Rituals and Celebrations Across Tamil Households
Celebrations begin at dawn, with homes adorned with fresh kolams (decorative rangoli) and flower garlands. Families come together to exchange greetings, share sweets, and express gratitude. Surendranath further added, “Other special dishes could include vadai, payasam, sambar, rasam, and sweets.”
A Festival of Hope and Renewal
More than just the beginning of a new calendar year, Puthandu is a heartfelt celebration of life, togetherness, and hope. It serves as a reminder to welcome change with open arms, renew our goals, and cherish the bonds that keep communities strong.
“As a Malayali born and brought up in Chennai, I love to merge both the traditions of both regions on this auspicious day. Especially living in the UAE, away from home and family I try my best to keep the spirit going by including traditions like tying mango leaves in front of the house (real or artificial), drawing Kolams at the entry way, keeping the Vishu Kani and cooking a little feast for our close friends and family,” Shruti noted.
“These special occasions are when we are most homesick, and traditions like this keep us going,” she said.
As Tamil Nadu steps into the New Year, the spirit of Puthandu continues to inspire fresh starts and a shared journey toward peace, success, and harmony.
Vishu 2025
Vishu, also known as the Malayalam New Year, is a major spring festival celebrated mainly in Kerala and some parts of Tamil Nadu. It marks a fresh start and is linked to the Sun’s movement into Mesha Rashi (Aries), according to Indian astrology. That’s why it’s celebrated on the first day of the Malayalam month of Chingam.
The Malayali, Keralite community in the UAE celebrates Vishu today. With two festivals coming together, many restaurants are also offering exclusive deals.
“Waking up before dawn to the Vishu Kani is a moment of peace and beauty, eyes opening to a beautiful golden arrangement of fresh fruits, flowers, grains, a mirror, a lit lamp, and our deities, all set up the previous night. The soft glow of the lamp, the scent of the flowers, and the quiet joy of the moment marks a hopeful start to the new year, believed to bring us prosperity and blessings throughout the year,” Surendranathan told The F360.
She exclaimed that this is usually a family affair, followed later in the day by friends and family for the feast.
Tamilians also celebrate this day with a Poojai and similar offerings to the deities before they begin their day.
