The Official Website of the Royal Family of Jaffna (Sri Lanka)

Arya Cakravarti Dynasty

I am pleased to extend my warmest greetings to all Sri Lankans at home and abroad on the occasion of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year.

The Tamil "Panchangam" is a Hindu Vedic Calendar. It is an ancient Calendar system based on Astrological facts. The word Panchangam was derived from Sanskrit "Panch" means five and "angam" means aspect. It gives the exact time of the dawn of the New Year. The traditional Tamil New Year "Puthandu" is celebrated on the first day of the Tamil month Chithirai, which falls on 13 or 14 of April every year. In fact, it is also the beginning of the spring.

The custom of giving cash presents on or after the New Year Day to the members of one's family or subordinates is only peculiar to Jaffna, and is not prevalent in South India. During the reign of Cinkai Arya Cakravarti Kunavira Pararacacekaran (1410-1440), a court jester named Tiruvampalam entertained the King on a New Year Day by putting on an extra false hand. Being pleased at his fun, the King gave him a cash present. It was known as "Kai Vishesham" and ever afterwards it became a custom in Jaffna to give such cash presents on a New Year Day to the members of one's family and subordinates.

Sri Lanka is a multi-religious and multi-national country, all communities should live in unity and harmony.

May I wish you all a Happy New Year!

May the blessings of Lord Sri Kailasanathar be upon you all!

REMIGIUS KANAGARAJAH OF JAFFNA