Tamil New Year, sometimes known as Indian New Year, Puthandu, or Varudhapirudu. which usually falls on or around April 14th or on the spring equinox. In fact, this year in 2025, Tamil New Year will fall on Monday, April 14th! This is a time of festivities, especially in Singapore, being a time of auspice and prosperity.🕯️
What makes Tamil New Year in Singapore unique is that various ethnic groups from South India come together to welcome the new year, meaning you will find a variety of decoration in and outside the home. This can include Kolam/Rangoli, floral garlands (Mala), and the lighting of clay-made oil lamps (Panati/Diya).🪔
View this post on Instagram
The Indian Heritage Centre denotes that “the Indian New Year is observed by various Indian sub-ethnic communities in Singapore around this time of year, marking the start of a new year and the harvest season. It is a time for new beginnings and cultural traditions. Tamil families celebrate Puthandu on the first day of Chithirai, the Tamil calendar month. The Sikh community observes the harvest festival Vaisakhi, the Malayalee, Telugu, and Bengali communities celebrate Vishu, Ugadi, and Pohela Baishakh, respectively.” Singapore is a melting pot of cultures and subcultures that can be observed during seasonal celebrations like the Tamil New Year!
This blog post was updated on April 1st, 2025.
View this post on Instagram
1. Guided Tours of the Singapore Indian Heritage Centre
View this post on Instagram
Enjoy a free guided tour of the Indian Heritage centre to learn all about history (such as the important historical figures, the Indian Diaspora, and the connections between India and its reach in Southeast Asia). These tours are part of the Tamil Language Festival (TLF) and there are only three total tours offered, capping at 20 pax per tour.
Available dates are April 5th, 12th, and 13th all at 11 o’clock. You can reserve your slot here with a S$10 refundable deposit.
2. Learn the Etiquette for Eating on a Banana Leaf
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Down to eat? Learn the best way to enjoy south Indian cuisine the authentic way! Not only will you savour the moment by learning this style of eating, but you will get a chance to taste and enjoy the flavors of Tamil New Year as well.
This workshop is only available on Saturday, April 12th (11am), so be sure to snag your S$20 seat here.
3. Music: Choir & Orchestra
View this post on Instagram
Another free Singapore Tamil New Year event is coming up on April 12th & 13th! With each 11 am session, you will get to enjoy live performances from some of the “largest semi-professional Indian ensembles” per the Singapore Indian Heritage Centre. Usher in the the new year by coming together to embrace various musical styles from India. You can enjoy this free event by registering here.
4. Golu Doll Making Demo
View this post on Instagram
Have you ever heard of Golu dolls? They are traditional hand made figurines that often depict a theme, such as a wedding. They are usually made of clay and/or other wooden materials and stand out for their bright colors.
The Singapore Indian Heritage Centre is offering two Golu Doll Making demonstrations, both from 3pm-5pm on April 12th & 13th.However, if you show up at 10 am, you will get to partake in crafting a Golu doll yourself!
Stay tuned for more details on how to partake in a Tanjore Doll Making workshop (different doll that rotates on an axis, similar to bobble heads). Update on this: This workshop has already sold out, on the very day the event details and booking was opened! Better luck next year…
5. Kids’ Activities
View this post on Instagram
It’s not a culture without kids! So of course you are able to let your imagination out on paper by partaking in coloring and other crafts! You can partake for free on both days (April 12th and 13th) from 10am-5pm at the Singapore Indian Heritage Centre.
6. Join Local Festivities
If you want a true local’s point of view when celebrating Tamil New Year in Singapore, look no further than a neighborhood party. This year, the community in Tangjong Pagar is putting on a local festival of food, performances, gifts, booths, music, and more! If you have Singpass, you can register here.
View this post on Instagram
Some More History & Insight
The Indian Heritage Centre puts on a variety of celebrations for Tamil New Year. There are a number of Indian dance & choir performances, and of course, an open house of the Singapore Indian Heritage Centre (IHC). In the past, the IHC has even put on the “Colours of Kathakali” workshop where face painting is practiced. Last year, the IHC offered a banana leaf meal etiquette class, cooking classes, a Kerala mural art workshop, a Pichwai art on plates class, a Thoranam Tying workshop, and a Kolam badge making activity!
Celebrations can last about a month, as in some neighborhoods, local celebrations also involve singing and dances unique to their heritage. The idea is that Tamil New Year in Singapore embraces a variety of Indian New Year celebrations. Parades and musical traditions are all part of Puthandu.🛍️
View this post on Instagram
Prayer, blessings, and feasts are also common not just on Tamil New Year, but a variety of holidays celebrated in Singapore. Mango leaves are used to decorate entrances to resemble happiness, and since this is the start of a new agricultural cycle. The tradition of Sabbadu is a feast of common Tamil dishes that are shared and eaten together amongst many. You may also notice that local Indian restaurants adjust their menus to highlight sour/bitter/sweet dishes commonly eating during Tamil New Year.🍛
To usher in prosperity in the new year, deep cleaning is commonly done around the home, but shopping is also a way to get ready for Tamil New Year in Singapore and abroad. Many love to purchase new traditional garments and (sometimes custom made) gold jewelry for gift giving. Happy Tamil New Year! Stay tuned for more details.🪷
View this post on Instagram
You have brought up a very great details, appreciate it for the post.
I have read some just right stuff here. Definitely price bookmarking for revisiting. I surprise how so much attempt you put to create one of these magnificent informative website.