Panguni

Panguni is a traditional Tamil New Year celebrated by the Tamil community worldwide, primarily in the Indian states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry, as well as among Tamil diaspora communities in countries such as Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, and Mauritius. The term "Panguni" is derived from the Tamil word for January, the first month of the Tamil calendar. The festival is marked by various rituals, feasts, and cultural events that honor the Tamil gods and goddesses, particularly Murugan, the god of war and a patron deity of the Tamil people.

The celebration of Panguni begins with the Tamil New Year's Day, which falls on the first day of the Tamil month of Thai, usually in April. The day is marked by the lighting of oil lamps, the offering of prayers, and the distribution of sweets and gifts. The festival continues for 16 days, culminating in the Thai Pongal festival, which is celebrated on the fourth day of Thai. Pongal is a harvest festival that involves the cooking of a special rice dish, known as Pongal, and the offering of prayers to the Sun God.

During the 16 days of Panguni, various cultural events are held, including traditional dance and music performances, folk games, and art exhibitions. The festival also provides an opportunity for the Tamil community to come together and celebrate their rich cultural heritage. Panguni is an important cultural and religious festival that plays a significant role in the lives of the Tamil people, both in India and abroad.