When Sun transits into zodiac Aries (Mesham), the Tamil New Year ‘Kara’ commences. The festival is called as Tamil Puthandu or Varushapirapu. Tamil Calendar and Tamil astrology (Nirayana astrology) are considered as one of the most ancient astrology system. The solar calendar system follows 60 year cycle and the years are named specifically (not numbers). The new year will be called as ‘Kara’ (25th year) and the last year was called as ‘Vikhruti’ (24th year). The Tamil year has 12 months and they have specific Tamil names like Chithirai, Vaikasi, Aani, Aadi and so on. This sidereal astrology system has 27 constellations duly aligned with the zodiac and there are 108 mansions (padam).
According to the Tamil Panchangam (solar calendar system) the Tamil New Year will begin as per details shown below:
1. Date = April 14, 2011;
2. Time = 11.27 a.m;
3. Day = Guruvara (Thursday);
4. Paksham = Shukla Paksham;
5. Masam (Month) = Chithirai;
6. tithi = Ekadasi (11th Lunar Day);
7. Star (Constellation) = Makam (Magha)
8. Rasi (Moon Sign) = Simha (Leo) sign
9. Lagna (Ascendent) = Mithuna (Gemini) sign
10. Navamsa Lagna = Meenam (Pisces) sign
11. Navamsa Rasi = Mithuna (Gemini)
12. Dasa = Ketu
13. Buddhi = Guru (Jupiter)
14. Andharam = Surya (Sun)
15. Horai = Chandra (Moon) horai
It is conventional to identify three important planets as king (Raja), minister (Manthri) and commander (Senathipathy or Mekathipathy or Arkathipathy) for the Tamil New year. For the Tamil new year 2011 – 2012 the ruler (king) will be Lord Chandran or Moon; the minister will be Lord Guru or Jupiter; and the commander will be Lord Budha or Mercury . The Hindu mythology marks this day as the day of creation since Lord Brahma commenced his activity of creation on this day.
Tamil New year is an important festival celebrated by Tamils. This festival is mainly observed in Tamil Nadu and all nations with huge Tamil diaspora populations, like Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, Mauritius, United Kingdom and United States. Sun is considered as the planet of energy. When sun transits into Aries it becomes exalted and obtains its full potential during this period. There the Tamil month Chithirai is considered as an auspicious month and Tamil New year day as the most eventful day. The prayer to sun god will bring prosperity and health. Malayalam speaking people (follow Kollam calendar system) also celebrate this day as Chaitra Vishu (harvest festival of Kerala). In north eastern India Vishu is also called as Bisu. The transit of sun to Aries also marked as Mesha Sankraman or Mesha Sankranti.
The Tamil Hindus attach much importance to Varushapirappu or Tamil Puthandu. As usual the houses will be cleaned and white washed. On Tamil New year day the front court yard of the houses will be adorned with Rangoli kolam. Mango leaf festoons will be tied over the front entry doors. Before night womenfolk will arrange fruits, coconuts, betel leaves, nuts, flower, coins or currency notes, gold jewels in a large plate and will be kept in a common place. Oil lamp will be lit. Viewing the fruit as soon as you woke up in the morning is considered as auspicious, and it is known as ‘Kani kanal’. Elders and other members will have bath and wear new dresses. In some specific families darpanam (holy prayer in remembrance of departed souls) will be offered. Family members prostrate before the elders and seek their blessings.
The Hindu temples make elaborate arrangements for ‘Panchanga Patanam’ or astrological prediction of the Tamil new year from the new year panchangam. In some temples there will be festivals, processions, lectures and music events.
The lunch on the Tamil New year day will have special menu item called ‘pachadi.’ This dish will highlight six tastes – Astringent, Bitter, Pungent, Salty, Sour and Sweet. People will feed the poor and may also offer new dresses.
Vishu Kani
