Puthandu or Tamil New Year is celebrated on the first day of the Tamil month of Chitterai. People either pray at home or visit temples to offer prayers. Vegetarian food is cooked on this day, and Tamilians prepare for the New Year by washing the house the night before. They believe that for a new beginning, the old negativity must be thrown out first. Tamilians use rice powder to etch beautiful patterns called Kollam/Kolam in their courtyards or before their house's main entrance. The festival morning begins with a ritual called 'Kanni' i.e. 'auspicious sight'. The prayer room is decorated with a huge mirror and before it is placed abundant signs of prosperity such as trays laden with fruits, flowers, jewelry, currency notes and coins.
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