Some people choose to perform this housecleaning on Puthandu instead of the day before. Either practice is acceptable, though you will probably have more time for feasting and worshipping during the first day of the new year if you clean your home the day before.
In addition, you can also start preparing for festival dishes, such as vadai, payasam, etc. “Pacchadi,” or a yoghurt based dish generally prepared with mango, is a must. [3] X Research source Also choose mukkani, three fruits—mango, jackfruit, and banana—that are considered to be the tastiest fruits. They are also common items included in the meals for “putthaandu. “[4] X Research source
You should use colorful rice flour or chalk for drawing the kolams. Any and all colors can be used for the kolams.
Many people choose to take herbal baths on this day, although a normal bath will also suffice. Turmeric baths, commonly for women, can be extended to all on this day.
Some people opt to wear their best traditional clothes during Puthandu instead of brand new clothes. However, most people will tell you that tradition dictates wearing new clothes on this day.
Families come together to complete prayers together, and this time of prayer includes aspects of fire: lamps, “aarathi,” lighting “saambrani,” and incense sticks. Prayer may also include divine sounds: chanting specific phrases, ringing brass bells at home, singing divine songs, playing classical instruments, etc. [7] X Research source In Sri Lanka and parts of India, pongal (an Indian rice dish) is commonly offered to the gods during Puthandu.
When visiting the temple, it is also common to break coconuts in designated areas. Coconuts have important significance in Hinduism. Often, these are offered to Lord Ganesha and broken, symbolizing the removal of obstacles and having a smooth life forward. Breaking a coconut on new year’s symbolizes ones prayers for a year without obstacles and challenges. [9] X Research source Brahman Bhoj is also performed on this auspicious occasion. To seek the blessings of the lord, people visit temples where the head priest usually reads out the “Panchangam. ” During visits with friends and families, bring small delicacies and sweets to be exchanged. Sometimes only children are expected to exchange foods and sweets, but many adults also take part in this Puthandu tradition.
The feast should only be comprised of vegetarian dishes on Puthandu. Examples of dishes you could add to your feast include sweet dhal poli and veppam poo rasam.
