About Puthandu
Puthandu is the Tamil New Year, celebrated on the first day of the Tamil month of Chithirai, usually 14 April. Families clean and decorate their homes with kolam, visit temples, share a festive meal and exchange wishes for a prosperous year ahead.
Puthandu marks the start of the Tamil solar calendar, when the sun enters Mesha, or Aries. It is celebrated in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, and by Tamil communities in Sri Lanka, Singapore, Malaysia and around the world. Around the same time, several other Indian communities celebrate their own solar new years, such as Vishu in Kerala, Bohag Bihu in Assam and Pohela Boishakh in Bengal.
How it is marked
Preparations begin the day before, with homes cleaned and entrances decorated with kolam designs and mango leaf garlands. In many families, a tray of fruits, flowers, jewellery, coins and a mirror is arranged the night before so that it is the first thing seen on waking, as an auspicious start to the year.
On the day, people bathe early, wear new clothes, seek blessings from elders and visit temples. Many listen to the reading of the new year's panchangam, the traditional almanac. The festive meal often includes mango pachadi, made with raw mango, jaggery, neem flowers and other ingredients, so that it tastes sweet, sour and bitter at once. The idea is that the year ahead will bring a bit of everything.
What to write
Wish the person prosperity and good health, and a Tamil greeting adds a warm, personal touch.
- Puthandu Vazhthukal! Hope Amma's mango pachadi turned out perfect again this year.
- Wishing you a year as balanced as mango pachadi: plenty of sweetness, a little tang, and strength for the rest.
- Warm Puthandu wishes to you and the family. Send me a photo of this year's kolam, yours is always the best on the street.
How to wish someone on Puthandu
prosperity, good health and a sweet, balanced year ahead for family and friends
Write a few lines in your own words, pick a design and share it as one link on WhatsApp, Instagram or anywhere else. They open an animated card made just for them, with no app and no sign-up.
Language tip: English, Hindi + regional language.
Frequently asked questions
How do you say Happy New Year in Tamil?
A common greeting is "Puthandu Vazhthukal", meaning New Year wishes. Some people say "Iniya Puthandu Nalvazhthukkal", which means warm wishes for a happy new year.
What is mango pachadi and why is it eaten on Puthandu?
Mango pachadi is a dish of raw mango, jaggery, neem flowers and spices that tastes sweet, sour and bitter together. Eating it on Puthandu symbolises accepting all the experiences the new year may bring.
Is Puthandu the same as Vishu?
They usually fall on the same day because both mark the sun entering Mesha, but they are separate festivals. Puthandu is the Tamil New Year, while Vishu is celebrated in Kerala with its own customs, such as the Vishu Kani.
When is Puthandu in 2026?
Puthandu 2026 falls on Tuesday, 14 April 2026.
What is Puthandu?
Puthandu is the Tamil New Year, celebrated on the first day of the Tamil month of Chithirai, usually 14 April. Families clean and decorate their homes with kolam, visit temples, share a festive meal and exchange wishes for a prosperous year ahead.
Who celebrates Puthandu?
Puthandu is observed in the Hinduism tradition. It is especially observed in South India.
Is Puthandu a public holiday?
Holiday status for Puthandu varies by state, employer and community in India, so check your local holiday list.
How do I wish someone on Puthandu?
Focus on prosperity, good health and a sweet, balanced year ahead for family and friends. On Kehdoo you can write a short message, pick a design and share a free animated Puthandu card as a single link, with no app or sign-up needed.
Sources
Last verified by the Kehdoo team on .