Bhopal Tamil Association celebrates Tamil New Year 2017

Bhopal Tamil Association (BTA) celebrated Tamil New Year 2017  in a truly festive atmosphere at  Career College, BHEL,  Bhopal here today. It all began after the exchange of new year greetings with one another followed by lighting the ceremonial oil lamp by  Chief guest S Munian, President, Janpad Panchayat, Sanchi . The event started with introductory speech, honoring guests, cultural programs and speech by guest.    Besides, other special guests along with the residents and members also graced the event and wished each other for the prosperous new year ahead. Guests, together with member participated in the traditions that are part and parcel of new year celebrations The prayer and the welcome note for the guests and the Honorable Chief guest added a light of inspiration to the event.

 

Chief Guest of the event, S Munian, President, Janpad Panchayat, Sanchi  Said "This year’s Tamil New Year, which is known as Puthandu or Puthuvarusham, is called ‘Hevilambi or Hemalamba Nama Varsha’. The Tamil calendar has a 60-year cycle and each year has a different name. According to the Tamil calendar, 2017 is the 31st year in the cycle. The outgoing year was called ‘Dhunmuki’ and the next year will be ‘Vilambi.’ ‘Puthandu’ is the New Year for the Tamil’s which is observed in the month of Chitteraim, which is also the first month of the Tamil solar calendar. On the last day of the last year, or on the eve of Puthandu all Tamilians household prepare a tray. This tray is laden with three kinds of fruits — mango, banana, and jackfruit, areca nuts and couple of betel leaves, gold or silver jewellery, a mirror, some cash, rice, coconut, and flowers. This is to be viewed the first thing in the morning. This tradition is called as ‘Kanni’. Post the Kanni, people have a cleansing bath and throng to the temples to seek divine blessings".

M. Raji, President, BTA said " India has a lot of (different) regional New Year’s celebrations and in Tamil Nadu, one of the southern states in India, the New Year begins with the start of the spring.New Year symbolises new beginning and hence Tamil people begin the day by looking at the Kani to embark upon a new journey with goodness in abundance. 

He added "Kani -A rangoli made of rice flour is made on the floor. Then a tray full of whole fruits and vegetables - bananas, mangoes, jackfruit, cucumber, pumpkin etc, flowers, coins, gold and silver jewellery and new clothes are kept on the rangoli. A mirror is kept vertically behind the tray so that the ingredients reflect clearly in the mirror. The Kani is usually assembled on the eve of the New Year so that the first think people can do on the following day is to view the contents of the tray clearly from the mirror reflection. After viewing the Kani, people take bath and wear new clothes. The women of the house decorate the entrance of their house with Kolam (rangoli) and use torans made of mango leaves for the main door. Then they light a lamp, incense and garland the idols/photos of the Gods and Goddesses and offer their prayers. After seeking blessings from the Gods, they prepare pacchadi – the most important preparation for the occasion, sweets and other special recipes. And then they head to a temple for an auspicious beginning".

. The primary objectives of BTA to Cultivate and promote Tamil Culture and friendship by organizing various cultural events Social activities. Promote and foster the knowledge of Tamil language and literature. Strive for and promote better understanding between people of Tamil and other cultures and organizations with compatible objectives.

 

Mr. A Swami Durai, General Secretary, BTA and M. Raji, President BTA  spearheaded the  event successfully.