SA Tamils celebrate their new year
MORE than 650 000 South African Tamils celebrated their new year in prayer, song and feasts yesterday.
Known as Puthandu, the Tamil new year is celebrated on the first day of the Chitteri month which falls on April 14.
KZN Tamil Federation president Richard Govender said Tamils used the time to reflect and plan for the year head.
“We don’t do anything grand or have fireworks displays, but temples and cultural organisations host evenings of prayer and singing on New Year’s Day. These are, of course, accompanied by good food.”
On the first day of the new year, an arrangement with a mango, banana, jackfruit, jewellery, coins, flowers and a mirror is put together. The three fruits, one bitter, one sweet and another sour, represent happiness, sadness and sacrifice.
The day begins with prayers and homes are decorated using kolam, a geometric art work drawn using white rock powder or rice flower.
“The year that we are welcoming is the year of Manmadha Varusham. It is the year of love and devotion,” said Govender.
He appealed to the Tamil community to extend love to fellow South Africans and spare a thought for those less fortunate.
“As we usher in the new year let’s share with the needy and join in the fight against social ills such as drugs and poverty,” said Govender.
Since April is a festive month for the Tamils, celebrations do not end on New Year's Day but are spread through the month. Govender said some celebrations were conducted outside the temples to accommodate people from other cultural groups.
“On April 26 we will have a huge celebration at the Tongaat Outspan grounds. The day will start with games from cricket to three-tin. In the afternoon we will have a music festival, then a fireworks display.
It’s not just a Tamil celebration – everyone is invited to come.”