The Origins of Puthandu
The roots of Chithirai run deep. Seasonal celebrations associated with the arrival of Chithirai appear in ancient Sangam literature, placing it among the oldest living seasonal observances in Tamil culture. The Chola kings later gave the Tamil calendar its formal administrative structure, weaving it into the rhythm of harvests, governance, and temple life alike.
Over time, the festival grew richer in meaning. In certain Vaishnavite traditions, the day carries additional symbolic significance, while the Panchangam, the sacred almanack that guides Tamil life, is rooted in ancient Indian astronomical and calendrical traditions that evolved over centuries. Across South and Southeast Asia, the names may differ, and the rituals vary, but every culture, in its own way, celebrates this shared solar new year rooted in agricultural rhythms.
1. The Kanni - First Sight of the Year
On the eve of the festival, the ceremonial Kanni is arranged, marking the start of Varusha Pirappu in a quiet corner of the home, traditionally by the eldest woman of the family. It includes seasonal fruits, coins, jewellery, vibrant flowers, rice, sacred texts, a lit lamp, and a mirror reflecting the entire display. At dawn, family members view this arrangement as their 1st sight of the year, a symbolic welcome of abundance, harmony, and divine blessing.
2. The Panchangam Reading
The Panchangam, the Tamil almanack prepared by Vedic scholars, is recited aloud in homes and temples alike, outlining astrological forecasts, auspicious timings, and predictions for the year ahead. In the great temples of Chennai, the gathering is as much communal as it is devotional, a collective pause to align with the rhythm of the new cycle as it begins.
3. Kolam at the Threshold
At sunrise, entrances of houses are adorned with intricate kolams drawn in rice flour and sometimes enhanced with natural colour powders during Chithirai Vishu. These patterns invite prosperity, honour Goddess Lakshmi, and symbolically ward off negativity. In Chennai, entire neighbourhood lanes often transform into open-air galleries before the morning sun gradually softens the designs.
4. Temple Celebrations Across the City
Families wear new traditional attire and visit temples early in the morning. At the Kapaleeshwarar Temple, elaborate abhishekam ceremonies draw long devotional queues. The Parthasarathy Temple welcomes large Vaishnava congregations, while the Vadapalani Murugan Temple conducts rituals timed to auspicious moments identified in the almanack. The atmosphere, incense, chanting, silk garments, and shared reverence leave a lasting impression even on 1st-time visitors.
5. The Taste of New Beginnings
Many households begin the day with Marundhu, a traditional blend of neem leaves, jaggery, raw mango, tamarind and pepper. Bitter and sweet in equal measure, it symbolises life’s varied flavours and the resilience required to embrace them.
A Feast on a Banana Leaf
| Dish | What It is | What It Represents |
Mango Pachadi | Raw mango, jaggery, and neem flower | Life's full spectrum of experiences |
| Vadai | Crispy lentil fritters, deep-fried and served hot | Prosperity & abundance |
| Payasam | Sweet pudding of milk, rice or vermicelli, and jaggery | Harmony & joy |
| Ven Pongal | Savoury rice and lentils tempered with ghee, cashews, and pepper | Comfort & nourishment |
| Sakkarai Pongal | Sweet rice slow-cooked with jaggery and cardamom | Sweetness in the year ahead |
1. The Cultural Heart
Mylapore is perhaps the finest place in Chennai to experience Tamil New Year in its fullest form. The streets surrounding the ancient temple tank come alive with flower vendors, silk shops, and kolam artists, creating one of the most atmospheric and colourful settings the city has to offer on this day.
2. Cultural Programmes & Community Events
- Carnatic music concerts
- Bharatanatyam recitals
- Folk performances such as Karagattam and Kummi
- Kolam competitions
- Community feasts (open to all)
3. Festive Markets
In the days leading up to the celebration, markets operate at full energy. Silk saree shops in T Nagar see heightened activity, while the vast Koyambedu flower market becomes a sensory spectacle of colour and fragrance before dawn.
Practical Travel Tips for Your Puthandu Visit
- April in Chennai is typically warm and humid, reflecting the onset of early summer, while mornings are comparatively more comfortable and ideal for stepping out to experience the festive atmosphere.
- Plan temple visits, market strolls and cultural outings early in the day to make the most of the pleasant morning hours.
- Wear light cotton or linen clothing, as breathable fabrics are best suited to the season and appropriate for temple visits.
- Carry a refillable water bottle and keep a light scarf or stole handy for hydration, sun protection and temple dress codes.
- For getting around, Chennai Metro Rail is reliable, auto-rickshaws work well for short distances, and Ola/Uber are widely available.
Beyond Tamil Nadu: A Festival Without Borders
The celebration extends far beyond the state. In Sri Lanka’s Jaffna region, the day is marked with family reunions and processions. In Malaysia and Singapore, Tamil associations organise dance recitals and food festivals. Across the UK, the US and Canada, weekend events preserve tradition through music, cuisine and children’s cultural workshops. Wherever it is observed, the core rituals remain unchanged, the Kanni is arranged at dawn, and the ceremonial meals are shared among the family.
Essentia Premier Hotel, Chennai: From Temple Bells to Tranquil Comfort
As the morning chants settle and the festive hum of Mylapore begins to mellow under the April sun, the rhythm of the day gently shifts. After offering prayers at Kapaleeshwarar Temple or joining the devotional gatherings at Parthasarathy Temple, returning to a space of comfort becomes part of the celebration itself. At Essentia Premier Hotel, Chennai, your Puthandu experience continues in ease and quiet refinement.
Begin your day or gather over a relaxed festive meal at Fisherman’s Wharf, where coastal flavours complement the spirit of the season. With thoughtful services such as concierge assistance, seamless airport transfers and easy access to Chennai’s cultural quarters, your stay flows effortlessly with the spirit of the festival, allowing you to move between celebration and rest without missing a single moment of Chennai’s Tamil New Year.
