Chitra Vishu is the Tamil New Year and it is celebrated in Tamil Nadu. It falls on the first day of the Tamil month of Chithirai. During this time the Sun enters the zodiac sign of Aries (Mesha Sankranti).
According to one ancient text, it is day that Lord Brahma started the act of creation. In the morning people offer prayers at temples and homes, after a bath with a concoction made of flowers, herbs, arugam grass, turmeric and milk. The business men traditionally start their annual account opening on this day. On the Chitra Vishu, the Panchangam is read and elaborated in temples. ‘Neem flower pachadi’ is the special dish of this day. Some devotees offer rice Pongal to the lord.
