Well, its been about 8 hours since we woke up to a new year. This year is known as Virodhi (means “enemy” in tamil), but hopefully it will be a good year for everyone. One Hindu priest says there’s nothing to fear:

This year is called Virodhi in Tamil. It means “enemy”.

But there is no need to fear that the Tamil New Year, which begins today, will bring death and destruction, assures Hindu priest Sivasri Thevaindran Gurukal.

Mother Earth is not expected to wreak havoc upon its inhabitants as no great natural disasters are expected.

The name Virodhi, according to Gurukal, indicates that this year will be a time when enmity takes a back seat and peace generally prevails.

However, on the political front, he said there would be instability, and changes in leaders and governments throughout the world.

The Tamil New Year, or Putthaandu, is observed on the first day of the Tamil month of Chithirai.

Gurukal, reading from the Panchangam or almanac, said the year promises to be better for those who have been suffering.

“This goes for nations, businesses, groups, individuals and families. But it can only be achieved with the exercise of great patience and caution.”

Gurukal said although business would be slow and debts would increase, many new ideas, contracts and opportunities would open up.

He said families would become more cooperative, especially in view of the difficult times its members have gone through so far.

“There will be a lot of changes for individuals, including the birth of children and the arrival and achievement of things long wished for.”

Gurukal, however, warned that the political atmosphere in the country and worldwide would be most unstable with unexpected changes in governments and leaders.

He said in Malaysia, there could be some political change come September.

He said the positive thing was that, overall, people would have more say in the governance of nations.

“It is important to seek the advice and blessings of elders before making any new move,” he advised.

Incidentally, the Malayalees celebrate Vishu new year today as well, while the Sikhs celebrated Vasakhi yesterday. The days between 13 to 15 April is very significant in many parts of the world as man cultures celebrate it as new year or some other festival.

Let’s see what some other prominent figures say:

Mariamman Temple chairman Nadarajah:

Sri Mahamariamman Temple board chairman Datuk R. Nadarajah said the Tamil new year, called Virothi, marked the beginning of the Chittirai month.

“All our temples will mark the new year with the abishegam or bathing of the deities at 6.30am followed by a special pooja,” he said.

This will be followed by the reading of the almanac or panjangam immediately after at the Jalan Tun H.S. Lee and Old Pudu Road temples here. The panjangam will, however, be read at the Batu Caves temple at 8pm tonight.

Nadarajah said ponggal, or sweet rice, will be prepared for devotees. The temple board will also distribute 10,000 copies of the new Tamil calendar to those attending the ceremonies.

Secretary of Sri Kandaswamy Temple:

G. Ganesan, the secretary of the Sri Kandaswamy Temple in Lorong Scott, Brickfields, said they would pray for the well-being of the Government and nation, especially since Malaysia has a new prime minister and Cabinet.

Malaysian Gurdwara Council president:

In Seremban, Malaysian Gurdwara Council president Malkith Singh said the Vasakhi celebrations at most gurdwara (Sikh places of worship) began on Sunday with the continuous recitation of the Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the Sikh holy book. The Sikhs regard the Granth Sahib as their living Guru.

“Our non-Sikh friends are more than welcome to celebrate with us. Vegetarian meals will be served, and they can learn more about our culture and traditions,” he said.

Samy Vellu in NST:

MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu extended greetings to Tamils, Malayalees and Sikhs celebrating their respective new year yesterday, and called on the Indian community to embrace the 1Malaysia concept mooted by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

He said the need for unity among Malaysians, particularly among Indians, was vital if “1Malaysia” was to become a reality.

“Unity is the top priority of the new administration and, as such, we as Malaysian Indians must do our part to assist in the unity process.

“We must have strong will and determination to make this happen for the sake of our country,” he said in a statement.

He said the MIC would lead the way in embracing the “1 Malaysia” concept by working with all sections of the Indian community and Indian-based non-governmental organisations.
“We have already embarked on this mission to ensure that the Indian community will have a stronger voice,” he said, urging Indians not to waste time quarrelling over petty and unproductive issues.

Samy Vellu said the government had promised to find new ways to resolve many problems affecting the Indian community “but we too have to work hard and become independent”.

Dr S Subra in NST:

MIC secretary-general Datuk Dr S. Subramaniam said the Tamil, Malayalee and Sikh communities have contributed immensely to the nation and that they have been instrumental in the Indian community becoming an advanced society on par with the other communities.

“We have come a long way but we must remain united to ensure peace and stability are sustained,” he said.

The human resources minister called on the Indian community to grab the many opportunities provided for it by the government “as failure to do so will result in us losing out”.

MHS President in NST:

Malaysia Hindu Sangam president Datuk A. Vaithilingam said that with all Indian groups celebrating their new year together this year, it was “definitely going to be an excellent opportunity for the 1Malaysia concept to start off”.

“Let us all pray together for peace and harmony in a united 1Malaysia,” he said and wished Tamils “Putthaandu Valthukkal”, Malayalees “Happy Vishu” and Sikhs “Happy Vasakhi”.

And of course, this year marks the beginning of new leadership in the country, and thus our new PM’s first wish for the Indian community:

Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has extended greetings to Tamils, Malayalees and Sikhs who celebrate their respective new year today.

“I would like to wish you a wonderful and prosperous New Year and hope that the well-being of Malaysia and its people are in your prayers. Have a joyous New Year!” Prime Minister said in a statement yesterday.

Najib said the celebrations reminded him of the tremendous value of the country’s diversity.

Today, the Tamils celebrate “Varusha Pirappu“, the Malayalees “Vishu” and the Sikhs “Vaisakhi“.