According to some of my friends in the Indian community, in Southern Indian states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, Puthandu (New Year) is celebrated around the middle of April (Gregorian calendar). The day is usually marked with feasts and a big Temple Car festival (carts carrying idols of the Hindu gods). They tell me, Tamil homes all over the world continue their traditions of decorating their homes with kolams (designs in rice powder on the floor) and preparing a big feast for families, friends and relatives.
Here in our midst, members of the Wisconsin Tamil Sangam and the Association of Indians in America continue this annual tradition by offering a "community feast" in Verona High School to celebrate Puthandu (although the event had to be done on May 13) and various new performances such as a women's dance, a children's fashion show, a boys' group dance, song numbers, and new dance numbers from Natyarpana, Kalaanjali, Spandan, and Kanopy dance companies. It was truly a day of community, with a special focus on keeping the Tamil tradition alive. |
