Wisconsin Tamil Sangam celebrates New Year
Thamizh Puthandu
by Heidi M. Pascual
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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.