Africa-Press – Mauritius. The Tamil New Year is celebrated this Friday, April 14. It is an important festival celebrated by the Tamil people all over the world. It falls on the first day of the Tamil month of Chithirai, which usually falls on April 14 or 15.
The president of the Mauritius Tamil Temples Federation (MTTF), Ganessen Chengan, explains the significance of this celebration. This festival marks the beginning of the Tamil spiritual year.
This year it is called Sobagiruthu, which means favorable and promising year. “Tamizh Puthandou celebrates Tamil culture and heritage. This is an opportunity for the Tamil people to come together and celebrate the start of a new year with hope, happiness and positivity,” said Ganessen Chengan.
How do we celebrate it? Before the party, says the MTTF president, homes and places of worship are cleaned and decorated with colored kolams (patterns made on the floor with colored powder), flowers, thoranum (coconut leaves) and mango leaves, placed on their threshold.
On the day of Tamizh Puthandou, people get up early, shower and seek the blessing of their elders, before performing special prayers known as Vazipaadou, in designated places within the house.
On this day, they wear new traditional clothes. Special dishes are prepared such as Payasam, Vadai, Puliyodharai and Mango Pachadi and these dishes are shared with family and friends.
They have symbolic meaning and are believed to bring good luck and prosperity. Cultural events including dance, music and plays are held in many places.
“Tamizh Puthandou is a time of renewal, reflection on the past year and a time to set goals for the new year, emphasizing the importance of continuing the progress made in previous years,” Ganessen adds. Chengan.
It is also a celebration of new beginnings and an expression of gratitude for the past year and welcoming the new year with renewed energy and enthusiasm in the hope that it will be prosperous and fulfilling.
This festival marks the perpetuation of Tamil traditions and customs from one generation to another. This year, as usual, the regional groups will converge on the Mahatma Gandhi Institute in Moka where the main ceremony will take place. Place will be given to cultural programs celebrating and recognizing the talent of young people.
In conclusion, the President of the MTTF believes that it is necessary “to pay tribute to all the former members and presidents of the federation of Tamil temples for their dedication towards the preservation of Tamil culture in Mauritius.
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