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Join us to celebrate the Tamil New Year with performances from K.A. Dance, Bharatha Kalalayam, Hridaya Nrityaalaya and SG Shan with photography by Studio Hut. Snacks will be provided before the event so make sure to get here on time. The event is funded by Hartlepool Community Trust and The Teesside Charity.

promotional poster for a Tamil New Year Cultural Night event. Here are the details: Organized by: K.A DANCE Event name: TAMIL NEW YEAR CULTURAL NIGHT In collaboration with: BHARATHA KALALAYAM, HRIDAYA NRITYAALAYA, SG SHAN & STUDIO HUT Date: 16 April 2025 Location: ARC, STOCKTON ARTS CENTRE, Dovecot Street, Stockton on Tees, TS18 1LL Time: Doors open at 6:00 PM Admission: FREE ENTRY The poster features a purple background with musical notes at the top and illustrations of classical Indian dancers on either side. It invites people to "Come and celebrate the New Year with an incredible sight of Tamil dance and music!" Contact information is provided at the bottom with a website (www.arconline.co.uk) and box office number (01642 525199).

Tamil New Year, known as Puthandu or Varusha Pirappu, is one of the most significant cultural festivals celebrated by Tamils worldwide. It marks the beginning of the Tamil calendar year and typically falls on April 14th, ushering in a time of renewal, joy, and spiritual reflection. The festival is deeply rooted in the customs and traditions of Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka, as well as the Tamil diaspora spread across the globe. It is not just a celebration of a new year but also a moment to reconnect with cultural values, seek blessings, and look forward to the future with optimism. It signifies a fresh start, both spiritually and culturally and aligns with the Sun’s transition into Mesha Rasi (Aries), an important astronomical event in Hindu traditions.

A central part of the celebration is the Puja (prayer), where families gather to offer prayers and seek divine blessings for health, wealth, and happiness. Many homes display a tray with new fruits and flowers, to reflect the year’s best opportunities. The traditional Puthandu prayer is a way of expressing gratitude for the past year and seeking guidance for the one ahead.

Tamil New Year is also a time for reconnecting with family and friends. People visit temples and each other’s homes to exchange warm wishes for the year ahead. It is a day for strengthening social bonds and reaffirming relationships within the community. Many families gather together, enjoying meals, sharing stories, and celebrating with cultural performances such as traditional music, dance, and drama. In urban areas, public celebrations often include processions, fairs, and cultural events, which further highlight the festive spirit of the occasion.

  • Access Information - Theatre

    Seat size
    In our theatre the seats are 38cm (15″) wide and 44.5cm (17½”) deep. The seats are 44cm (171/3”) from the floor, and have an 8cm (3”) gap between seats.

    Armrests
    Seats have armrests on either side of the seat which cannot be removed completely. Seats on rows A, C and D have armrests which can be folded away and slot between the seat backs. On all other rows armrests are fixed and cannot be folded or removed.

    Legroom
    There is 30cm (112/3“) of legroom in front of each seat, with additional legroom in rows D and L, and in Box 1 and Box 2.

    Further information
    If you have any questions about accessibility our Box Office team are always happy to help and can be contacted on 01642 525199 or by emailing [email protected] - you can also tell us about your access requirements when prompted to do so during the online booking process.