The month of Chittrai (April - May) embarks the time of festivities in Tamil Nadu and starts off the Tamil year running through to Panguni (March - April), 2009. Tamil's New Year Day “Puthandu” (according to the Gregorian Calendar) is celebrated on April 13 or 14 every year. People greet each other “Puthandu Vazthukal” which means Happy New Year. This auspicious day is also known as “Varusha Pirappuv”, a time upon which, Lord Brahma is believed to have started the creation of the Universe.
The day starts with viewing the “kanni” (the auspicious sight) at dawn, in the expectation that beginning the New Year by looking at auspicious or favourable things will bring good fortune throughout the year. Such auspicious items includes; old and silver jewellery, betel leaves, nuts, fruits and vegetables, flowers, raw rice and coconuts. “Kanni” is followed by a bath and visit to the Temple to pray for a prosperous and happy New Year. After which, the Panchangam (almanac) is read. Ladies adorn the entrances of their houses with “Kolam” (design made with rice flour) and deck the doorway with mango leaves.
It is during the month of Chittirai the marriage of Goddess Meenakshi to Lord Sundareswarar is celebrated as “Chitthirai Festival”.
It is during the month of Chittirai the marriage of Goddess Meenakshi to Lord Sundareswarar is celebrated as “Chitthirai Festival”.
2 comments:
I love reading your blog. I was in Tiruvannamalai in Jan and it is a reminder of my wonderful time there.
Happy New Year, all! ;-)
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