Article By: Sumathi Hari, Social Activist, Mangala Nagar, Porur.

Tamil New Year’s day is celebrated on the first day of the Tamil month of Chithirai. According to the Gregorian calendar Tamil new year 2025 will be celebrated on April 14. As per the tradition and Tamil solar calendar this Varusha pirappu marks the beginning of the “Visuvaavasu”(2025-2026) year. Visuvaavasu refers to the 39th year in the 60 year cycle of the Tamil calendar. Visuvaavasu name signifies a year of “Beneficence to all characterized by Kindness, Compassion and Wellbeing”.
People dress up in traditional attire, greet each other and offer prayers in local Temples. Families enjoy a special feast together that consists of special dish called “Mango Pachadi” its a mixture of different ingredients including sweet jaggery, sour raw mango, astringent mustard, bitter neem and spice redchilles. As per the Tamil tradition, it’s believed that these flavors reflect the various facets of life and champions the fact that one must be prepared to face all types of situations whether bitter or sweet with calmness.
A variety of vegetarian dishes are also prepared on this day. Another integral of the custom is reading “Panchangam”.
Tamil New Year is observed as the best day to initiate new things in people’s life.
“May god bless all people with peace and prosperity.”