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).🪔
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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.🛍️
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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.🪷
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