Puthandu (Tamil New Year) Celebrations 2025

Written by Dharshini, Photographs by Kirthikesan

Tamil New Year, celebrated on the 1st of Chithirai (April 14), is a vibrant festival adored not only in Tamil Nadu but also in countries like Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Singapore, and Malaysia. This year, our university celebrated this rich cultural heritage on April 4th, at the Thiruvalluvar Stadium with a day full of spirit, engagement, art, and delight.

The festivities began at 9.45 am with a lively rally that set the day’s tone. The rally winds up with enchanting performances exhibiting the ancient Tamil arts. At 10:30 AM, the special guests, Professor Tharanikkarasu and Professor Amaran, delivered stimulating speeches that echoed deeply with everyone present, going along with the traditional Pongal celebrations.

The audience was then treated to an eye-catching show of Tamil arts from the dynamic Silambam and rhythmic Parai to the captivating Poikkal Kuthirai, Karagam, Mallar Kambam, Puliyattam, and Vaalsurul Veechu. The youngish Bharatanatyam dancers added a heroic touch, enchanting the crowd with their elegant moves. Following this cultural captivity, flavourful Pongal and lunch were served, reawakening everyone for the afternoon events. After a brief pause, the host welcomed the crowd back with a friendly speech, followed by heartfelt songs and classical dance performances as well as Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi.

The enthusiasm continued with the prize distribution ceremony honoring winners of various sports competitions like kabaddi, cricket, tennis, football, and more. The day concluded on a high note with a vigorous DJ party, filling the air with music and dance, leaving students with unforgettable memories.

This Tamil New Year celebration was a perfect mingle of tradition, knack, and oneness.