Puthandu (Tamil New Year) 2026 — Lucknow
Puthandu, the Tamil New Year, is the first day of the Tamil month of Chithirai, when the Sun enters sidereal Aries.
In 2026, Puthandu (Tamil New Year) is on Tuesday, 14 April 2026.
- Sun enters Mesha: 14 Apr 2026, 9:33 AM
Date and timings for Lucknow.
How the date is fixed
Puthandu (Tamil New Year) is decided by the day the Sun enters the sign — or the next day if it enters after sunset.
Calculated for Lucknow. Festival dates can differ by a day between cities and between regional traditions; your family priest's panchang has the final word.
How it is celebrated
Families arrange fruits, flowers, gold and a mirror to be seen first thing in the morning (kanni), draw kolams, visit temples and eat mango pachadi, which mixes sweet, sour and bitter tastes.
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Frequently asked questions
When is Puthandu (Tamil New Year) in 2026?
In 2026, Puthandu (Tamil New Year) is on Tuesday, 14 April 2026. (Lucknow)
Why do calendars sometimes show different dates for Puthandu (Tamil New Year)?
Hindu festivals follow the lunar tithi, which begins and ends at different clock times. Each festival has a rule about which part of the day the tithi must cover — sunrise, midday, dusk or midnight. When the tithi straddles two days, calendars that apply the rule for a different city, or a different tradition, can land on different days. We show the rule we used and the tithi timings so you can check.