Tamil New Year & Vishu 2026: Date, Kani Kanal & Puthandu Rituals
Tamil New Year & Vishu 2026: A Twin Celebration of Prosperity
🌅 Two States, One Emotion
As the Sun enters the zodiac sign of Aries (Mesha Rashi), South India awakens to the golden glow of Konrai flowers and the taste of Mangai Pachadi.
April 14, 2026, marks the beginning of the solar New Year. In Tamil Nadu, it is celebrated as Puthandu (Varusha Pirappu), while in Kerala, it is the auspicious Vishu. It is a day to open your eyes to abundance, seeking blessings for a year filled with harvest and happiness.
Iniya Puthandu Vazthukal & Happy Vishu!
📅 Date & Muhurat 2026
Both festivals are observed on the same day when the Sun transits into Mesha Rashi.
| Puthandu & Vishu 2026 Calendar | |
|---|---|
| Date | April 14, 2026 (Tuesday) |
| Vishu Kani Muhurat | 04:40 AM to 06:10 AM (Brahma Muhurat) |
| Sankramana Time | 08:15 AM (Sun enters Aries) |
🌼 Vishu 2026: The First Sight of Abundance
For Malayalis, the year begins with Vishu Kani—literally translating to “the first thing seen.” It is believed that seeing auspicious items first thing in the morning determines the fortune of the entire year.
How to Arrange Vishu Kani?
The night before Vishu (April 13), the lady of the house arranges the Uruli (bronze vessel) in front of a mirror and a Krishna idol. The Kani includes:
- 🌾 Raw Rice & Paddy: For food security.
- 🥒 Golden Cucumber (Kanivellari): For health.
- 🟡 Konrai Flowers (Cassia): Representing gold.
- 💰 Coins & Currency: For wealth.
- 🪞 Valkannadi (Mirror): To see Goddess Lakshmi within oneself.
Ritual: At Brahma Muhurat, family members are guided blindfolded to the altar to view the Kani first, followed by the distribution of Vishu Kaineetam (gift of money) by elders.
🥭 Tamil New Year (Puthandu): The Six Tastes of Life
In Tamil Nadu, the day begins with colorful Kolams at the entrance and a special prayer to the family deity. The highlight of the day is the culinary philosophy of Mangai Pachadi.
🍲 The Significance of Mangai Pachadi
This special dish combines six different tastes (Arusuvai), symbolizing that the coming year will be a mixture of all emotions, and we must accept them with equanimity:
- 🍭 Sweet (Jaggery): Happiness
- 🧂 Salty (Salt): Distress/Reality
- 🍋 Sour (Raw Mango): Surprise
- 🌶️ Pungent (Chilli): Anger/Challenges
- 🍃 Bitter (Neem Flowers): Sadness
- 🪵 Astringent (Turmeric): Acceptance
Why Start the New Year with a Homa?
New Year is considered the most auspicious time for new beginnings. Performing a Ganapati Homa or Navagraha Shanti on this day removes obstacles and aligns planetary influences for the next 12 months.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, both festivals are celebrated on April 14, 2026, marking the Sun’s transit into Aries.
Vishu Kaineetam is the tradition where elders of the family give coins or money to younger members, symbolizing the sharing of wealth and blessings.
Absolutely! Puthandu is considered highly auspicious for Housewarming (Griha Pravesh) and starting new business ventures.
