Rudraksha Ratna Articles

Puthandu Festival

India is a land of diversity. It is at the crossroad of indigenousness and heterogeneity that the cultural landscape of this country is mapped out. Here every regional community has its own way of celebrating life that is both distinctively ethnic in its manifestations and universal in its appeal.

What is Puthandu?

Puthandu marks the conception of a new year in Tamil Nadu. Keeping up with the Tamil solar calendar, Puthandu is celebrated on the first day of the month of Chithirai or Chitterai. It is on the 14th of April according to the Gregorian calendar that every year Tamilians across India including those from Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Singapore celebrate this festival to welcome the Tamil New Year with a lot of joy and exuberance.

This auspicious day is also known as Puthuvarudam or Varsha Pirappu in different parts of Tamil Nadu. On this day Tamilians greet one another by uttering “Puthandu Nalvazthukal” which is basically a Tamil New Year Wish! The Tamil Puthandu takes on different names in different parts of the country. For instance, Pohela Sankranti in Odisha, Vishu in Kerala, Bihu in Assam, Baisakhi in central and northern India. This day has been declared a state holiday and all banks, offices (both public and private sectors) and educational institutions remain closed in honour of the festival.

Auspicious Muhurat Timings (Panchangam) for Puthandu Festival

When is Puthandu 2023

In 2023 Puthandu festival falls on the 14th of April.

Puthandu Muhurat

Tamil Shaka Samavata 1945 begins
Sankranti Moment on Puthandu – 15:12 Hours (3:12 PM IST)
Brahma Muhurta: 04:51 to 05:37
Pratah Sandhya - 05:14 to 06:22
Abhijit: 12:14 to 13:04
Vijaya Muhurta: 14:44 to 15:35
Godhuli Muhurta: 18:54 to 19:17
Sayahna Sandhya: 18:55 to 20:04
Amrit Kalam: 21:54 to 23:24
Nishita Muhurta: 00:16 (15th April) to 01:01 (15th April)
Sarvartha Siddhi Yoga: 09:14 (14th April) to 06:22 (15th April)

Significance of Puthandu

Apart from looking up to this day as the heralder of hope and fulfilment of wishes, Tamilians also believe that the Puthandu festival has some mythological significance. Legend has it that Lord Indra, the God of Rain and Thunder, descended upon Earth on this day to bless the mortals. In some parts of Tamil Nadu, it is claimed that Lord Brahma conceived the universe on the day of Puthandu. On this day, Tamilians offer prayers to the Gods and visit religious sites to seek their blessings.

Puthandu Puja Vidhi

In many temples across the state, abhishekams are offered to deities on this day. Puthandu also marks the initiation of the magnificent Ther (Chariot or Rath) processions that are held during the first Tamil month of Chithirai, in different temples across the state.

Another crucial aspect of this festival is the celebration of the divine union of Goddess Meenakshi with Lord Sundareswarar referred to as Meenakshi Tirukalyanam. Every year at the Meenakshi Amman temple in Madurai, on the month of Chithirai the deities Meenakshi and Sundereswara are worshipped.

Puthandu Rituals

Puthandu Rituals Tamilians welcome the new year in style. During Puthandu, an invocation of all the five senses of experience namely, sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste takes place which allows the participant to step into the realm of the spiritual while being strongly connected to the material world around him.

Many hued rice-flour Rangoli designs which are called kolams adorn the entrances to homes where pujas and worshipping ceremonies are held. These are often followed by a participation in communal feasts. In some houses a lamp, locally referred to as kuthuvillaku is lit at the center of the kolam which is supposed to ward off darkness and evil.

The Custom of Kanni

The custom of Kanni is followed by many Tamilians during this festival. It involves preparing a large platter with an eclectic choice of goods ranging from mango, banana, betel leaves, jackfruit to jewellery and cash on the eve of Puthandu. The placement of the kanni is carefully chosen to ensure that it is the sight one wakes up to on the morning of the festival. It is believed that this custom brings peace, harmony, and success to the household. This tradition can be traced back to the ancient ages as a tribute to a predominantly agrarian culture.

The reflection of the kanni on the mirror is considered to be an auspicious sight on the dawn of the festival. Following which the household engages in other rituals like taking a shower, putting on new clothes, and praying. Finally, the family gathers for a feast that includes assorted dishes from the South Indian cuisine specially prepared for this day!

How do Tamilians celebrate Puthandu?

‘Puthandu’ celebrations play an important role in bringing together people from different strata of the society who bond over traditional songs, dances, and ritualistic proceedings. Many women participate in folk dances like kummi and kolattam to celebrate the culture of the land.

Wearing new clothes, exchanging gifts and greetings, touching the feet of elders for blessing, offering prayer at temples are usual activities performed by Tamilians throughout this day. Everyone including children and elders are spotted donning traditional attires. Men wear lungi and angavastam, little girls run around in colourful pavadai dhavani and women opt for Kancheepuram sarees and ethnic jewellery. The houses are cleaned and decorated with fresh flowers, guests are invited, and special dishes are served to celebrate Puthandu.

In some localities around Madurai, Tirunelveli and Tiruchirappalli, dance-dramas like Oyilattam are staged to narrate tales from the Puranas, especially about Lord Muruga.

Puthandu Food

Just like any other festival, Puthandu is no exception when it comes to food. The authentic Puthandu spread comprises of lip-smacking delicacies ranging in flavour from sweet to sour and spicy to bitter. Of the eclectic choice of dishes, the must-haves on the menu are mangai pachadi, a kind of sweet and sour mango preparation and veppanbu pachadi, a bitter-sweet concoction of neem, tamarind, jaggery and mangoes.

Apart from the essentials, other popular servings include the kosambari salad prepared with split-green gram (moong dal), vadas filled with stuffings and deep fried into crunchy bites, payasam which is a sort of a dip made of milk, lentils and polis that are a sweet-dish prepared from split chickpeas, jaggery and coconut ensconced in flour envelops.

Some more go-to favourites from the Puthandu food culture include Sakkarai Pongal (a sweet porridge made of rice, yellow moong dal and jaggery), Avial (a high-calorie dish prepared with vegetables in coconut sauce and curry leaves), Cabbage poriyal (sautéed and steamed cabbage cooled in a spicy gravy), Vazhakkai curry (a special festive dish made of raw bananas cooked in a coconut based masala sauce), Veppam poo rasam (an appetizing soup made from dried neem leaves stirred in rasam), Manga oorugai (fresh raw mangoes pickled in sesame oil and flavoured with mustard seeds), Panagam (jaggery water with cardamom powder), and Curd.

Conclusion

Besides many things, Puthandu as a festival is symptomatic of the diversity and communal spirit that this country upholds. Soaked in sight, sound, taste, and colours, Puthandu celebrations are a treat for both the eyes and the mind. The festival marks a moment of transition from an end to a beginning. It heralds hope and optimism for Tamilians besides allowing scope for social interaction and the possibility for renewal of familial bonds.

Scroll Down to read more

Shop Now for Energized Products

Bhaja Govindam Vishnu sahasranaman

INR 295 | USD 3.69

Product Code : TCD73

Add To Cart
Shri Vishnu Prarthana

INR 495 | USD 6.19

Product Code : BK06

Add To Cart
Vishnu Pariwar

INR 7,260 | USD 90.75

Product Code : VP01

Add To Cart
Shree Vishnu Yantra Ring in Copper

INR 500 | USD 6.25

Product Code : CYR10

Add To Cart
Laxmi Pendant

INR 995 | USD 12.44

Product Code : RST08

Add To Cart
Lord Vitthal with Rukmini Brass Idol - II

INR 550 | USD 6.88

Product Code : BR49

Add To Cart
Lord Vitthal with Rukmini Brass Idol

INR 675 | USD 8.44

Product Code : BR48

Add To Cart
19 Mukhi Rudra Ring

INR 43,215 | USD 540.19

Product Code : RST192

Add To Cart
Vishnu Mantra Kada

INR 425 | USD 5.31

Product Code : CK09

Add To Cart
Ruby Radha - Krishna - 2035 carats

INR 1,62,800 | USD 2,035.00

Product Code : RRK01

Add To Cart
Lord Anantha Padmanabha in Ruby

INR 2,07,200 | USD 2,590.00

Product Code : VLBR01

Add To Cart
Kadamba Krishna

INR 11,620 | USD 145.25

Product Code : PPS03

Add To Cart
Vishnu Yantra Locket in Silver - 3D

INR 3,000 | USD 37.50

Product Code : YLD13

Add To Cart
Vishnu yantra locket - Copper

INR 275 | USD 3.44

Product Code : CAY19

Add To Cart
Vishnu Laxmi Shell

INR 1,490 | USD 18.63

Product Code : SSA04

Add To Cart
Vishnu Laxmi - Vayu Tatva

INR 6,050 | USD 75.63

Product Code : CVI30

Add To Cart
Vishnu Ratna Shakti Yantra

INR 7,850 | USD 98.13

Product Code : MRL16

Add To Cart
Jade Vishnu Lakshmi statue - 2 kgs

INR 32,000 | USD 400.00

Product Code : JV02

Add To Cart
Lord Vitthal with Rukmini Idol in Black Agate

INR 33,725 | USD 421.56

Product Code : VRG01

Add To Cart
Khus Oil - for Lord Vishnu Puja

INR 625 | USD 7.81

Product Code : PEO74

Add To Cart
10 mukhi Krishna Mala - 7 mm

INR 7,000 | USD 87.50

Product Code : DR182

Add To Cart
Narasimha Lakshmi statue in brass - I

INR 4,185 | USD 52.31

Product Code : PDM124

Add To Cart
Vishnu Locket in pure silver

INR 620 | USD 7.75

Product Code : VL01

Add To Cart
Lord Vishnu in Bonded Marble

INR 3,050 | USD 38.13

Product Code : RFS26

Add To Cart
10 mukhi Krishna bracelet from Java in woolen spacers

INR 1,900 | USD 23.75

Product Code : DR208

Add To Cart
10 mukhi Krishna bracelet from Java with silver caps

INR 2,575 | USD 32.19

Product Code : DR212

Add To Cart
Vishnu Yantra Bracelet in 925 Sterling Silver

INR 1,075 | USD 13.44

Product Code : SYB15

Add To Cart
Vishnu Laxmi in brass - III

INR 11,650 | USD 145.63

Product Code : PDM147

Add To Cart
Vishnu Shaligram Murti

INR 12,900 | USD 161.25

Product Code : SIM100

Add To Cart
Vishnu Charan (Left Leg) Shaligram Murti

INR 19,100 | USD 238.75

Product Code : SIM148

Add To Cart

Related Testimonials

It has brought tremendous love and harmony in my family

I would like to share some experiences with the group concerning my personal mala. I have only worn it for about 2 weeks but, I already see great success in areas of my life. My personal mala has 3 Gauri Shankar beads that lay across the back of the neck. I must say to you to trust completely in the power of these beads. It has brought tremendous love and harmony in my family within the short time I've worn these precious beads. There was a huge rift that existed between me and my children. It was so bad at one time that I went to an Astrologer to seek help. The astrologer told me after castin
- Lillian
I have had A LOT of positive results

I am keeping a journal for each day. This is my 6th day. I\'ve had A LOT of positive results. After 45 days I will post my journal for members to see. I\'ve noticed influx of wealth, deep deep sleep (I do not remember any dreams), enemies run away or do not want to look at my face, attraction of opposite sex, minimal effort in tasks, focused mind, courage in risk taking activities (stocks), and the biggest one of all extreme focus on mantra of Vishnu, thoughts about Vishnu. Sometimes I am spending hours at a time looking at youtube.com videos of Vishnu. No wonder it is called Narayan Rudraksha
- GSK
Experiences with wearing the 19 mukhi

Dear Ms. Neeta: I have taken time to write you my experiences with wearing the 19 mukhi rudraksha that you recommended to me in August. I hope this helps your research and other people. I have been wearing my 19 mukhi Rudraksa provided to me by Ms. Neeta Ji. I have been keeping close track of the transformation I have experienced by wearing this divine bead. I hope to give some understanding on the effects that I have personally felt. I am trying to describe the effects and feelings with humility and in no way am trying to gloat. First off I want to let you know about myself and how I was intr
- GSK, USA
I had a series of promotions from 2008 till date

Dear Neetaji, I have been associated with Rudraksha-Ratna from 2006 onwards. It has been a journey of 5 years now and going strong. I started my divine Journey and accidently hit upon the Rudraksha-Ratna website. My professional life was fine but I in a way looked at it in a complicated way and latter realized that I was going through Ketu Maha Dasha and things would slow down gradually. Having said that, Neetaji and team recommended 10,11,12,13 Muki Rudraksha to help me progress . Within 48 to 60 hours I could feel the silence in my mind and the focus that I gained in my professional life and
- Deepak Mugrai, New York
Trijuti

Dear Neetaji, Namaste. I wrote you recently that I would be sending payment soon for the Trijuti you had been holding. I am sorry for any delays, but last Friday, my Father passed away. I realize that I emailed you after that, trying to explain what benefits I have been getting form the 19 Muki, but I kind of fell short. I do think it fixed something with my heart as shown on an ECG machine. I also think that the mala as I wear it has increased my psychic awareness. I had a feeling my father death was coming. I also knew that there was nothing to stop it. I am now in mourning. I took of to tak
- Michael E
19 Mukhi

You had recommended for me to wear Kalpavriksha combination and Supreme Kavacham (both I am wearing since November). It took about 3 months for these beads to tune into my chakras, and they are making a profound difference in my thought process and daily life. Many people just won’t believe this if I were to tell them.
- Kinjal Patel
It is my pleasure to write a testimonial here

Neeta, It is my pleasure to write a testimonial here. I am a Tibetan Buddhism follower in Hong Kong. I first came to know about Rudraksha when I saw many other people using 108 Rudraksha mala in Buddhist countries. I have been always advised by masters to use Rudraksha for chanting. I have heard the myth of Rudraksha, and have always been keen to get one. However, I don�t have confidence to purchase one as there are so many fakes on the market. It was until I came across the website of Rudra Centre that I start knowing more about Rudraksha, its properties and benefits. After discussion my si
- Eddie Chan
My First Divine Experience at Rudracentre Mumbai on Mahashivaratri

Jai Gurudev and a Happy Monday, Rudra Puja, or Rudrabhisheka, which is one of the most ancient and profound rituals in the Indian subcontinent was performed yesterday at Rudracentre Mumbai by Neetaji. It was a puja, a worship, of the benevolent aspect of the consciousness called Shiva, or Rudra. For me, this first Puja which I witnessed by staying awake full night on Mahashivaratri was a spontaneous happening which was born out of the fullness and contentment of myself. It was an innocent playful process reciprocating the supreme love of nature. The state of mind with which the puja was perfor
- Pritish Nadkarni, Mumbai
You are a great gift to humanity

Dear Dr, Thank you so much; You are a great gift to humanity. The transformation in my business in the last one week was awesome; may God bless you. writes you soonest. John C Lagos, Nigeria.
- John C
Excellence Service

Hi Rudra Centre" i have Received my items parcel"send by DHL"Arrived on time Wow the Beads Bracelets are so Auspicious Looks wonderful nice packaging. Thank you so much to Mdm Neetha Singhal And her Rudra Centre personnels EXCELLENCE SERVICE"... Tommascano
- Tommascano
lokeshsng@yahoo.co.in

I have ordered couple of times. The service is great, timely and the shipments reach US major cities fast in very reasonable time. Keep up the great work.
- Lokesh
My mom, She feels a difference and feels very relaxed

I want to thank you for making recommendations to my mom. She's been wearing the blue s ring, 7 mukhi with lakshmi pendant, and bracelet of 14 and 18 mukhi. She feels a difference and feels very relaxed. She's very happy with all the items. S Cynthia
- S Cynthia
Rudraksha

The one mukhi rudraksha is exceptionally good for very focused meditation and it makes your meditation less effortful and easy. The mind finds it easy to go near the Spiritual Heart. Have bought 1,2,3....till 19 mukhi (except 18) from you Mrs Vijaya Barathi and Mrs Neeta. Planning for 18, 20 and 21 and make an indrakshi mala. Also add on blue, yellow sapphire, ruby, pearl, coral, amethyst and other 3 to 4 gems and make a perfect combo of rudraksha ratna and study my spiritual and material progress for next few years. thanks and your products are awesome.
- Prakash Raja