Varusha Pirappu or Puthandu or Chithirai Vishu marks the Tamil New Year day as per the Solar calendar followed in Tamil Nadu. In 2011, Puthandu date is April 14. Generally, Mesha Sankranti (Sun’s transition into Mesha rashi) marks the beginning of Sauramana Ugadi (Solar New Year) in India, Nepal, and some other places. The first day of Chithirai Month is known as Puthandu. In 2011, it marks the beginning of Khara nama varusha (2011-2012).
As per beliefs, Lord Brahma created the universe and started the creation on the first day of Chithirai. In many temples special pujas and rituals marks the grand celebrations.
On the same day, Malayalam Astrological New Year (Vishu), Bengali New Year (Pohela Boishakh), Assamese New Year (Rongali Bihu), and Baisakhi (Sikh New Year) are also celebrated.
Reading and listening to Puthandu Palangal in Tamil and special pujas to kuladaivam, Saraswati puja and Brahma Puja are the major rituals of Puthandu in Tamil Nadu.
Here, you can download Tamil Panchangam 2011-2012 for free.