Puthandu 2025: Celebrating the Tamil New Year
Puthandu, also known as Tamil New Year or Varusha Pirappu, marks the beginning of the Tamil calendar year. Celebrated on the first day of Chithirai, it symbolizes new beginnings, prosperity, and cultural heritage. In 2025, Puthandu falls on April 14, with the auspicious Sankranti moment occurring at 3:30 AM.
Significance of Puthandu
Puthandu is deeply rooted in Tamil traditions and is considered an auspicious time to start new ventures. It is believed that on this day, Lord Brahma initiated the creation of the universe . Families come together to perform rituals, seek blessings, and share festive meals, embracing the spirit of renewal and hope.
Top Destinations to Celebrate Puthandu
Below are top destinations to explore to celebrate Puthandu.
- Madurai – Meenakshi Amman Temple
Madurai's Meenakshi Temple hosts the grand Chithirai Thiruvizha, a festival that includes processions and cultural events, attracting devotees from across the region.
Chennai – Kapaleeshwarar Temple
In Chennai, the Kapaleeshwarar Temple becomes a focal point for Puthandu celebrations, with special prayers and community gatherings.
Tiruvannamalai – Arunachaleswarar Temple
Tiruvannamalai's Arunachaleswarar Temple sees a surge of devotees during Puthandu, with rituals and festivities that highlight Tamil culture.
Kumbakonam – Adi Kumbeswarar Temple
Kumbakonam's temples, especially the Adi Kumbeswarar Temple, are known for their elaborate Puthandu celebrations, including traditional music and dance performances.
Sri Lanka – Koneswaram Temple, Trincomalee
The Koneswaram Temple in Trincomalee hosts a 22-day chariot festival culminating around Puthandu, featuring processions and water-cutting ceremonies.
How to Reach Destinations to Celebrate Puthandu?
Reaching the top destinations to celebrate Puthandu is fairly convenient, thanks to robust connectivity across air, rail, and road networks. Madurai, known for its temple festivities, is well-connected through Madurai Airport with flights from major Indian cities. The city also has a major railway junction and is easily accessible via national highways. Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, is served by a busy international airport and key railway stations like Chennai Central and Egmore, along with extensive road connectivity and frequent bus services. You can book bus tickets on redBus for a hassle-free journey. For those heading to Tiruvannamalai, the closest airport is in Chennai, and the town has its own railway station with regular train services. You can book train tickets on redRail by redBus to travel hassle-free. Road travel is also smooth via state highways. Similarly, Kumbakonam can be reached via Tiruchirapalli Airport, and it boasts a well-linked railway station and frequent bus services from nearby towns.
Essential Guidelines for Festival Travel
Below are some important travel guidelines for passengers travelling to celebrate Puthandu.
Book hotels in advance due to high demand during festivals.
Reserve train or bus tickets early to ensure availability.
Keep basic medicines and first-aid supplies handy.
Observe and respect local customs and practices.
Dishes like mango pachadi, payasam, and vadai are popular during Puthandu.
Participating in Puthandu celebrations offers a unique insight into Tamil culture and traditions. From temple rituals to community feasts, the festival is a blend of spirituality and social bonding. Whether you're witnessing the grandeur of Madurai's processions or enjoying the serene rituals in Kumbakonam, Puthandu promises a memorable experience. So, what are you waiting for? Book your bus or train tickets on redBus.
