Tamil New Year is today with the birth of Chithirai. Many also celebrate the birth of the Thai month as the New Year. Today’s New Year is based on the solar calendar, which rings in a good sunny season, harmonious for a good harvest and great beginnings.

 

Festivals mean happiness, cheer, and sumptuous food. Today, people visit temples, making a plea for success in their new ventures. Tasty traditional breakfast with idli vada payasam, followed by a six-taste meal for lunch at home in Banana leaves. Mangoes, drumsticks, and neem flowers are used in today’s recipes. Mango leaf festoons and a beautiful rangoli welcome the guests in every home. Chithirai thiruvizha and Chitra Pournami, or full moon day, are special days during this month. The Agni natchathiram begins on the last seven days of this month and extends upto the first seven days of the next month, which is Vaikasi.