Puthandu, also known as Puthuvarudam, is celebrated by the Tamil community as the first day of the Tamil calendar. It usually falls on or around April 14th each year. Tamil people express their greetings to one another by saying “Iṉiya puthaandu nalvāazhthugal!” (இனிய புத்தாண்டு நல்வாழ்த்துக்கள்), which translates to "Happy New Year" on this day.

It begins with a thorough house cleaning, followed by decorating homes with vibrant and colourful kolams or Rangolis made with coloured rice powder to welcome the new year with positivity and freshness. Families adorn the Puja altar with light, fresh flowers, kumkum, vibuthi, mirror, betel leaves, arecanut and other auspicious items. They also prepare a tray featuring the three major fruits like mango, banana and jackfruit.

People dress up in new clothes and children seek blessings from their elders. They then visit nearby temples with family members and offer prayers. The day culminates in a vegetarian feast where family members come together to enjoy a meal.