The Board and Management of the Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB) extend heartfelt wishes to the Tamil community across South Africa as you celebrate Puthandu, the Tamil New Year.
This year marks 5127 in the traditional Tamil calendar and ushers in the year known as Visuvasuva, part of a 60-year cycle that dates back thousands of years and continues to thrive in Tamil culture worldwide.
The Tamil New Year, celebrated on the first day of the month of Chithirai, is not only a time for renewal and festivity, but also a profound expression of identity, cultural continuity, and intergenerational heritage. Traditional practices such as house cleansing, preparing auspicious dishes like _mango pachadi,_ and consulting the _Panchangam_ (astrological almanac) reflect a deep philosophical view of life — embracing sweet and bitter, joy and challenge alike.
Tamil, one of the world’s oldest living languages, holds classical language status in India and is endorsed by Unesco, remains vibrant and relevant across the globe, including in South Africa.
The preservation and promotion of Tamil in our multicultural society is a testament to the resilience, pride, and unity of the Tamil-speaking community.
As PanSALB, we recognize the crucial role of language in fostering social cohesion, cultural expression, and national identity. We celebrate with you and reaffirm our commitment to protecting and promoting linguistic and cultural rights for all communities in our diverse nation.
May this New Year bring peace, prosperity, knowledge, and harmony to you and your families.
_Iniya Puthandu Nalvazhthukkal!__
(Happy Tamil New Year!)
Board and Management
Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB)
