Tamil New Year is to Begin on January 14, Instead of April 14

What happens today becomes the history of tomorrow. But the recent announcement made by the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, Mr.M.Karunanithi, making the First Day of the Tamil month 'Thai' as the beginning of the Tamil New Year is unique and special for more than one reason.

It spells out a marked departure from the hitherto known and traditional practice of celebrating the First Day of the Tamil month 'Chithirai' as the Tamil New Year. Chithirai is the first month of Tamil New Year which falls on April 14 in the Gregorian calendar and it generally connotes the beginning of the summer season. Schools and colleges usually announce their summer holidays during the month of Chithirai. Otherwise, nothing significant or spectacular about the month of Chithirai The traditional Tamil New Year beginning on the First Day of Chithirai, is followed by the Tamil months Vaikasi, Ani, Adi, Avani, Purattasi, Aippasi, Karthigai, Margazi, Thai, Masi and Panguni.

But the recent decision of the Tamil Nadu Government to announce the First Day of Thai that falls on January 14, as the beginning of Tamil New Year has many valid reasons and it is logical too.The First Day of the Tamil month Thai, is celebrated as 'Makar Sankaranthi' and marks the beginning of a week long Pongal festival and especially the first day of the month of Thai is also known as 'Uzavar Thirunal'.The Pongal festival is the harvest festival virtually celebrated as the 'Thanks Giving Ceremony' by the Tamil people, for all the gods that had helped them to have a good harvest. Prior to the onset of Pongal festival, 'Bogi' falls on the last day of the Tamil month Margazi.