Latest news with #Puthandu

The Star
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Tamil festival brings culture to life in KL
A blindfolded participant shattering a swinging claypot during the 'uri adithal' traditional game. — Photos: IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star BRICKFIELDS turned into a lively kaleidoscope of colours as the streets of Kuala Lumpur's Little India pulsated with the sights and sounds of the Tamil New Year. Amid the swirl of kolam patterns on pavements and hypnotic beats of urumi drums, this festival, called Puthandu, brought culture to life. The air was scented with incense, spices and anticipation as crowds gathered under white tents, and fluttering banana leaves. They were drawn to a celebration steeped in rhythm, ritual and revelrous fun. Kolam artist B. Meshalini Shri, 19, brings colour to concrete using powdered rice to craft intricate patterns. Children dressed in colourful silk clothing sang classical Thevaram hymns, their voices rising in harmony while nimble fingers tapped tambourines in time. On another stage, there were Bharatanatyam dancers portraying ancient tales with intricate footwork, their anklets jingling. Then came the karagattam queens – graceful women who glided across the festival stage balancing on their heads flower-laden pots adorned with peacock feathers. Karagattam dancers balancing ornate pots on their heads. At the pavement, a young girl was seen creating delicate rainbow patterns with multi-hued powdered rice. A few steps away, another child rolled dice on a pallanguzhi board, cheered on by her proud mother. Then came the lively uri adithal, a popular traditional game. Festival-goers queueing for a taste of traditional tea. Blindfolded participants, guided only by gleeful shouts and laughter from the crowd, wildly swung a long stick at a suspended swinging claypot containing turmeric water. When the pot finally shattered in a splash, the crowd erupted in cheers. 'It's mischief with meaning,' said event organiser Rishikumar Vadivelu. 'It reminds us to laugh, to try again, and never give up.' A young girl trying her hand at 'pallanguzhi' as her mother looks on. The energy spiked once more when silambam exponents took to the stage. With sticks whirling and feet flying, their vibrant display wowed the crowd. 'It's not just martial art. It's poetry in motion, passed down through generations,' Rishikumar added.


Express Tribune
14-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Janhvi Kapoor celebrates Vishu and Puthandu with new look from 'Param Sundari'
Listen to article Actress Janhvi Kapoor, who is gearing up for the release of "Param Sundari", recently shared festive wishes for her fans in celebration of Vishu and Puthandu, the Malayali and Tamil New Years. Her heartfelt post on Instagram not only showcased her festive spirit but also gave fans a glimpse into her character's cultural roots for the upcoming romantic comedy. Khushi Kapoor's compliment was heartwarming for everyone. Dressed in a white traditional saree with golden jewellery, Janhvi shared a mirror selfie that appeared to reflect her character's look in "Param Sundari". The actress also posted another picture in a burgundy saree, paired with stunning makeup and accessories, adding to her festive charm. Alongside the photos, Janhvi posted two videos where she wished her followers a happy Vishu and Puthandu, speaking in Malayalam and Tamil. In her caption, she expressed her gratitude to her fans, particularly the Malayali and Tamil communities, for their constant support. "Happy Vishu and Happy Puthandu! My Malayali and Tamil fam, I hope you guys have the best year ahead filled with love, prosperity and happiness," Janhvi wrote. "You guys have always given me so much love and encouragement and made me feel like a part of you'll - and it's meant so much to me :)." Photo: Instagram She continued, "I wouldn't feel worthy of that privilege if I didn't at least try to speak in your sweet sweet language. So here is my attempt, pls forgive me for my mistakes. I'm still learning but will get there soon I promise. Special shout out to my Malayalam and Tamil tutors @ @mathukuttyxavier @manushnandandop. #SundarisRoots #ParamSundari." The post received warm reactions from fans, with many showering Janhvi with compliments. Her sister, Khushi Kapoor, also gushed over the actress' appearance, commenting, 'Omg beauty,' while fans flooded the comments with praise. "Wowwwwww Looking So Beautiful," one follower wrote, while another remarked, "Looking Same As Mom Shree Ji." Directed by Tushar Jalota, "Param Sundari" tells the story of a cross-cultural romance, with Janhvi Kapoor playing a South Indian girl and Sidharth Malhotra portraying a North Indian boy. The film is scheduled to hit theatres on July 25, 2025.