Tamil New Year: A Celebration of New Beginnings

Tamil New Year, also known as Puthandu or Puthu Varusham, is a vibrant and joyous festival marking the beginning of the Tamil calendar year. Celebrated on the first day of the Tamil month Chithirai, typically falling in mid-April, it symbolizes new beginnings, prosperity, and hope. This auspicious occasion is a time for families to come together, share traditions, and welcome a fresh start.

Who Celebrates Tamil New Year and Their Traditions?

Tamil New Year is celebrated by Tamil speaking Hindus especially all over the world. Traditions include:

• Displaying Auspicious Items: Families arrange a “Kanni” or auspicious tray with fruits, flowers, gold, and a mirror, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune.
• Lighting Diyas: Homes are illuminated with traditional oil lamps (diyas), creating a warm and festive atmosphere.
• Visiting Temples: Devotees visit temples to offer prayers and seek blessings.

Temples in the UK for Tamil Devotees:

For Tamilians living in the UK, several temples offer a sense of community and spiritual connection:

• Sri Murugan Temple, London
• Shree Ghanapathy Temple, London
• Hindu Temple of Glasgow
• Edinburgh Hindu Mandir and Cultural Centre.
• Local Hindu centers across the UK.

Traditional Recipes, Offerings, and Home Decorations:

• Pooja Offerings: Fruits, flowers, and traditional sweets are offered during prayers.
• Kolam/Rangoli: Intricate designs are drawn at the entrance of homes, symbolizing welcome and prosperity.
• Deity Decoration: Homes are adorned with flowers and decorations, creating a festive ambiance.
• Traditional Recipes:
  • Manga Pachadi: A sweet, sour, and bitter dish symbolizing the various phases of life.
  • Payasam: A sweet milk pudding, a staple during celebrations.
  • Vada/Idli: Savory breakfast items.
  • Sambar and Rice: A traditional south indian meal.

Tamil New Year Feasts and Celebrations in the UK:

While celebrating away from their homeland, Tamilians in the UK maintain their traditions and create a sense of community.

• Reaching Relatives: Phone calls and video chats are used to connect with loved ones.
• Temple Visits: Visiting local Hindu temples.
• Sharing Food: Exchanging homemade sweets and dishes with friends and neighbors.
• Community Events: In cities like Edinburgh, the Edinburgh Tamil Sangam and similar organizations host cultural events, food feasts, and competitions.

How to celebrate Tamil New year 2025 in UK:

• • Prepare traditional foods with ingredients from Spice Supermarket LTD.
  • Decorate your home with kolams and diyas.
  • Visit local Hindu temples.
  • Connect with family and friends through phone or video calls.
  • Participate in community events.

What You Need from Spice Supermarket LTD:

To prepare your Tamil New Year feast, Spice Supermarket LTD offers a wide range of essential ingredients:

• Fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Rice and lentils.
• Spices and masala.
• Jaggery and sugar.
• Ghee and oils.
• Flours like rice flour and urid flour.
• All ingredients for Payasam, Vada, Sambar and Idli.

Conclusion:

Tamil New Year is a time for reflection, celebration, and new beginnings. Even when far from home, Tamilians in the UK can keep their traditions alive and create a festive atmosphere. Spice Supermarket LTD is here to provide all the necessary ingredients for a joyous celebration.

Happy Tamil New Year!

இனிய தமிழ் புத்தாண்டு நல்வாழ்த்துக்கள்!