Chennai, Apr 14 (UNI) Tamil New Year, which marks the first day of the Tamil month

Chithirai, was celebrated across Tamil Nadu with reigious and spiritual fervour on

Monday.

The auspicious day symbolizes new beginnings, hope and prosperity, and is steeped

in age-old traditions passed down through generations.

In Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, the day begins with the viewing of the ‘Kanni’, a ceremonial

sighting of auspicious items like fruits, flowers, raw rice, gold or silver jewelry, betel leaves,

a mirror, and sacred texts, set up in front of a lamp-lit space.

It is believed that seeing these first thing in the morning ensures good fortune throughout

the year.

As the day dawned, people beautifully decorated their homes drew kolams (colorful rice

flour rangolis) at the courtyard, symbolizing welcome and positivity.

Dressed in new traditional attire, people visited temples to offer special prayers and

sought blessings from the elders.

A highlight of the festive feast is the unique dish mango pachadi, which combines sweet,

sour, bitter, and spicy flavors--symbolizing the diverse experiences of life.It was the

traditional dish made in every household to mark the occasion, a tradition being followed

from ancestral days.

Tamil New Year is not just a festival—it is a celebration of Tamil culture, language, and

values.

It's an occasion to reflect on the past, renew one’s spirit, and foster harmony in both

families and communities.

Tami Nadu Governor R N Ravi and leaders of various political parties have extended

their greetings to the people on the occasion.

UNI GV 1715