Tamil New Year, also known as Puthandu, is one of the most
significant cultural festivals celebrated by Tamil people worldwide. The
festival marks the first day of the Tamil calendar, which falls in mid-April.
In Sri Lanka, the Tamil New Year is celebrated with great enthusiasm and
fervor, and it is an occasion for people to come together and celebrate the
start of a new year. This article aims to explore the history, significance,
and cultural practices associated with the Tamil New Year in Sri Lanka.
History
The Tamil New Year has a rich history that dates back to
ancient times. The Tamil calendar follows the solar cycle and has a year
consisting of 12 months. Each month is named after a specific star or
constellation. The first day of the Tamil month Chithirai, which usually falls
on the 13th or 14th of April, marks the beginning of the Tamil New Year.
According to legend, Lord Brahma, the Hindu God of creation, created the Tamil calendar on this auspicious day. It is also believed that Lord Shiva married Parvathi on this day, which adds to the significance of the festival. The Tamil New Year is celebrated by Tamils all over the world, but it holds a special place in the hearts of Sri Lankan Tamils.
Significance
The Tamil New Year is a time of renewal and rejuvenation. It
is an occasion to reflect on the past year and make resolutions for the coming
year. The festival also has significant religious and cultural significance for
Tamils in Sri Lanka. It is a time when families come together to celebrate,
exchange gifts, and share traditional Tamil food.
One of the significant practices associated with the Tamil
New Year is the auspicious ritual of Kanni. This ritual involves waking up
early in the morning, taking a bath, and decorating the house with flowers and
traditional motifs. People offer prayers to the gods and seek blessings for
prosperity and good health. The first thing that people see on this day is
believed to set the tone for the rest of the year, which is why they look at
auspicious items such as gold, silver, and fruits during the Kanni ritual.
Cultural Practices
The Tamil New Year is a time for Tamils in Sri Lanka to
celebrate their rich cultural heritage. Traditional Tamil food is an essential
part of the festivities. Special dishes such as sweet rice, vada, and payasam
are prepared and shared among family and friends. In addition to food, music
and dance also play an important role in the celebrations. Traditional Tamil
folk dances such as Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi are performed, and Tamil music
is played throughout the day.
The Tamil New Year is also a time for Tamils in Sri Lanka to
wear new clothes and adorn themselves with traditional jewelry. Women wear
beautiful sarees, and men wear traditional attire such as dhotis and kurtas.
The streets are decorated with colorful rangolis, and the sound of firecrackers
can be heard throughout the day.
Conclusion
The Tamil New Year is a festival that holds significant
religious and cultural significance for Tamils in Sri Lanka. It is a time for
renewal, reflection, and rejuvenation. The festival brings people together to
celebrate their rich cultural heritage and share traditional Tamil food. The
Kanni ritual, traditional clothing, music, and dance are some of the cultural
practices associated with the Tamil New Year. As the world becomes increasingly
interconnected, it is important to celebrate and preserve our cultural
traditions. The Tamil New Year is a testament to the richness and diversity of
the Tamil culture, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of cultural
heritage.
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