Tamil New Year or Puthandu is the first day of the year according to Tamil calendar and it falls on April 14, annually. The same day is also celebrated as Vishu for Keralites, Bihu for Assamese, Baishakhi for Punjabis and as Pohela Boishakh in West Bengal.

Manipur, Tripura, Odisha, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, etc., too celebrate their new year festivities on the same day.

Tamilians celebrate the new beginnings of the year by offering neem flowers, mangoes, jackfruit, betel leaves and bananas to the God as a part of rituals and to mark the seasonal change.

These festivals are rich in cultural significance and are celebrated with various rituals and traditions, including the use of key ingredients that hold special meaning.

The month of April witnesses a lot of allergies during the transition to peak summer. According to Ayurveda, neem flowers, raw mango, jackfruit, betel leaves and bananas provide immunity and instant energy from the summer heat.

Read On To Know The Benefits:

Neem Flowers:

Neem flower is a powerful ingredient that soothes your whole system ahead of the scorching summer months. It is a potent antiseptic that cleanses the body and useful in treating various skin diseases and allergies, common in summer. Neem flower is used in making delicious rasam, powders and chutneys.

Raw Mango

Raw mango is a summer treat bestowed by Mother Nature to pacify the body from intense heat and dehydration. The wealth of vitamins and minerals in raw mango trigger the immune system and promote overall health.

Jackfruit

Jackfruit is a powerful superfood that comes with whopping amounts of antioxidants and other essential nutrients aid in curing digestive problems and foodborne illness. A great vegan meat substitute regulates diabetes and helps in losing weight.

Betel Leaves:

Betel leaves hold a significant place in all religious rituals and provide a host of healing health benefits too. The strong antiseptic and antifungal properties of betel leaves give instant relief from fungal infections and allergies.

Bananas:

Bananas are loaded with a wealth of essential nutrients. Rich in potassium it helps in correcting electrolyte balance and provide you with an instant source of energy.

Additional Ingredients Benefits

Jaggery

Jaggery, a natural sweetener obtained from sugarcane juice, is a key ingredient in many dishes prepared during Puthandu and Vishu. It symbolizes sweetness and the hope for a sweet and joyful year ahead. Jaggery is used in various festive dishes, including sweets and the Maanga Pachadi, adding a touch of sweetness to the celebrations.

Rice

Rice is a staple ingredient in South Indian cuisines and holds symbolic significance in both Puthandu and Vishu celebrations. It represents abundance, prosperity, and fertility. Rice is used in various festive dishes, including sweets and savoury dishes, prepared to mark the beginning of the new year.

Gold

Gold is considered auspicious and is often bought or gifted during Puthandu and Vishu. It symbolizes wealth, prosperity, and good fortune. Many people buy gold jewellery or items as an investment and to usher in prosperity in the new year.