May 2026 Issue

மே — 1, தொழிலாளர் தின நல்வாழ்த்துக்கள் Warm wishes on May Day — International Workers' Day

From Thiruvalluvar's timeless verses to grandmother's herbal cures, from village Kummi dances to 2,000-year-old Tamil-Brahmi inscriptions found in Egypt — eleven sections, one bridge home.

உள்ளே · Inside this Issue

Eleven sections. Read straight through, or jump to what speaks to you.

  1. 01ஆசிரியர் பக்கம்Editor's Note
  2. 02குறளின் குரல்Remembering Thiruvalluvar
  3. 03இலக்கியச் சோலைLiterary Grove
  4. 04நமது பண்பாடுOur Culture
  5. 05உணவே மருந்துFood is Medicine
  6. 06பாட்டி வைத்தியம்Grandmother's Remedies
  7. 07படிக்கலாம் வாங்கLet's Read!
  8. 08உலகளாவிய தமிழ்ச் செய்திகள்Global Tamil News
  9. 09பூந்தளிர்Children's Section
  10. 10வாசகர் பக்கம்Readers' Corner
  11. 11தமிழ் பயிற்சிTamil Exercises

ஆசிரியர் பக்கம் · Editor's Note

A note from the editor

Dear Readers,

Our Tamil Thoodhu online magazine has been issued every month in a refreshed and enhanced format since January 2026. We, on behalf of the editorial team, kindly request your continued support and encouragement so that Tamil Thoodhu may flourish and grow stronger in the days ahead.

With a sense of responsibility as citizens of India, many of you would have cast your votes on April 23rd. The results of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections will be known on May 4. On behalf of Tamil Thoodhu, we extend our best wishes to the new government that will be formed.

We request our readers to help expand our readership by sharing it with your relatives and friends, so that the wider Tamil-speaking community across the world can read and benefit from our magazine.

Readers who wish to contribute their creative works are kindly requested to send them to hitamilthoodhu@gmail.com, along with your name, address, phone number, and a small photograph.

குறளின் குரல் · Kuralin Kural

Remembering Thiruvalluvar through his kurals

What is the Thirukkural?

The Thirukkural is one of the most revered ancient classic texts in Tamil. Written by Thiruvalluvar — popularly known as Theiva Pulavar — it is also called "The Universal Couplets."

Why does it still matter?

This classical work has been translated into more than 107 world languages. It remains a beacon, guiding readers through the vagaries of life.

How is it structured?

Kural means couplet. The Thirukkural is organised into 133 chapters of 10 couplets each — a total of 1,330 couplets.

Chapter 10 · Uttering Pleasant Words Kural No. 100
இனிய உளவாக இன்னாத கூறல்
கனியிருப்பக் காய்கவர்ந் தற்று.

Iniya ulavaaka innaadha kooral / Kaniiruppak kaaikavarn thatru.

"To use harsh words, when sweet ones are at hand, is to prefer raw fruit to ripe."

Kural Story · The Power of Kind Words

Kishore was a third-grade student, but he had no interest in studying. He thought studying was very difficult, and avoided it whenever he could. Because of this, his mother often scolded him. One day, after receiving very low marks in his exam, Kishore sat quietly, feeling sad as his mother continued to scold him.

"Before I started school," he thought, "my mother was always so loving with me. But ever since I began going to school, she only says 'Study! Write!' all the time. She doesn't even show me affection anymore. That's why I don't like studying."

His grandfather, visiting from the village, noticed him crying. "What happened, Kishore?" he asked gently. Through tears, Kishore explained that his mother had said he was only fit to graze cattle.

His grandfather smiled kindly and said, "Don't cry, my dear. I've brought you an airplane toy." As Kishore played happily, his grandfather asked, "What do you want to become when you grow up?"

"I want to fly airplanes, Grandpa!" Kishore said. "Then you must study well." From that day on, Kishore began to study sincerely.

Later, his grandfather spoke to Kishore's mother: "When there are so many kind ways to guide a child, why use harsh words that hurt their heart?"

Moral: Kind words can change hearts and bring out the best in others.

Adapted from Thirukkural Stories 50 by Latha.

இலக்கியச் சோலை · Ilakkiya Cholai

Literary Grove · Kavimani Desigavinayagam Pillai

Kavimani Desigavinayagam Pillai (27 July 1876 – 26 September 1954) was a renowned poet who lived in Therur, Kanyakumari district, in the 20th century. He worked across devotional songs, children's verse, nature poems, patriotic songs, and reflective philosophy.

ஆறு / Aaru — "River"

கல்லும் மலையும் குதித்துவந்தேன் — பெருங்
காடும் செடியும் கடந்துவந்தேன்;
எல்லை விரிந்த சமவெளி — எங்கும் நான்
இறங்கித் தவழ்ந்து தவழ்ந்து வந்தேன்.

I leaped over rocks and mountains,
crossed dense forests and bushes;
across vast, open plains everywhere
I flowed gently, spreading and moving forward.

கட்டும் அணையேறிச் சாடிவந்தேன் — அதன்
கண்ணறை தோறும் நுழைந்துவந்தேன்;
திட்டுத் திடர்களும் சுற்றிவந்தேன் — மடைச்
சீப்புகள் மோதித் திறந்துவந்தேன்.

I climbed and rushed over dams,
entered through every small opening;
went around obstacles and barriers,
breaking through gates as I pushed forward.

காயும் நிலத்தழல் ஆற்றிவந்தேன் — அதில்
கண்குளி ரப்பயிர் கண்டுவந்தேன்;
ஆயும் மலர்ப்பொழில் செய்துவந்தேன் — அங்கென்
ஆசை தீரவிளை யாடிவந்தேன்.

I cooled the heat of dry land,
saw fresh, soothing crops growing;
I created blooming gardens
and played there to my heart's content.

ஏறாத மேடுகள் ஏறி வந்தேன் — பல
ஏரி குளங்கள் நிரப்பிவந்தேன்;
ஊறாத ஊற்றிலும் உட்புகுந்தேன் — மணல்
ஓடைகள் பொங்கிட ஓடிவந்தேன்.

I climbed even difficult heights,
filling many lakes and ponds;
entered even places without springs,
flowing until dry streams overflowed.

நமது பண்பாடு · Namadhu Panpaadu

Our Culture · Kummi, the traditional folk dance

Kummi is one of the oldest and most traditional folk dances of Tamil Nadu — a group dance performed by clapping hands rhythmically, usually while standing in a circle and moving in tune with songs.

During festivals such as Pongal, weddings and Mariamman temple festivals, women celebrate by performing Kummi. It is also performed in forms like Mulai Paari Kummi and Valli Kummi.

Meaning

The word Kummi comes from the Tamil kummuthal — "to clap hands" — an ancient art form passed down through generations.

Dance style

Dancers stand in a circle or in rows, clap to the rhythm, bend and rise, and move their feet in simple patterns.

Types

Pooncholai Kummi, Kummi Paattu, Valli Kummi, and Pavala Kodi Kummi are among the many varieties.

Festivals

An essential part of rural celebrations — temple festivals, Pongal and other auspicious occasions.

Valli Kummi

Popular in the Kongu region, this special form narrates the story of Valli and Lord Murugan through song and dance.

Cultural significance

Kummi reflects Tamil culture's rich artistic heritage and promotes unity. Many villages now actively work to revive this fading art form.

Mulai Paari Kummi Song

The opening lines are rhythmic syllables used for musical flow rather than direct meaning.

தன்னானே நானேனன்னே
தானேனன்னே நானேனன்னே
தன்னான தானேனன்னே
தானேனன்னே நானேனன்னே!!

Thannaane naanenanne…

(Rhythmic chant used to set the beat and mood)

கும்மியடி கும்மியடி
குலம் விளங்க கும்மியடி
சோழ பாண்டி நாடெல்லாம்
செழித்து வர கும்மியடி!!

Play the Kummi dance, play the Kummi dance,
so our community may prosper;
let the lands of the Cholas and Pandyas
flourish and thrive — play the Kummi dance!

மஞ்சள் முகத்தவளாம்
மகமாயி கோவில் முன்னே
மங்கலமா வாழ்ந்திடவே
முளைசுமந்து கும்மியடி!!

Before the Goddess with the radiant yellow face,
in front of the Magamayi temple,
for a blessed and prosperous life,
carrying the sprouting grains, we play the Kummi dance!

உணவே மருந்து · Unavey Marundhu

Food is Medicine · Kandathippili Rasam

Kandathippili Rasam is a traditional herbal soup that reflects how our ancestors wisely included medicinal ingredients in everyday food. If you have a runny nose or feel unwell, sipping this rasam can offer quick relief — though today only a few people still know how to prepare it.

This rasam is made with kandathippili (long pepper), a medicinal herb known for its healing properties. It is especially effective in relieving cold, cough and digestive issues.

Ingredients

  • Kandathippili (long pepper) — 3 to 4 sticks
  • Black pepper — 1 tsp
  • Cumin seeds — 1 tsp
  • Toor dal — 1 tsp
  • Tamarind — small lemon-sized, soaked and extracted
  • Tomato — 1, finely chopped
  • Garlic — 4 cloves, crushed
  • Turmeric powder — ¼ tsp
  • Mustard seeds, curry leaves, coriander leaves — to temper
  • Ghee or oil — 1 tsp
  • Salt — to taste

Method

  1. Grind the spice mix. Roast the long pepper, black pepper, cumin and toor dal in a little ghee. Cool, then grind to a fine paste. (Alternatively, soak for 30 minutes and grind.)
  2. Prepare the tamarind base. Soak the tamarind, extract 1–2 cups of water and strain. Add chopped tomato, turmeric, salt and curry leaves; bring to a boil.
  3. Add the spice paste. Once boiling, stir in the ground spice paste and crushed garlic. Let it simmer.
  4. Final cook. When the rasam turns frothy and aromatic, turn off the heat and garnish with chopped coriander.
  5. Temper. Heat ghee, add mustard seeds, curry leaves and a pinch of asafoetida; pour over the rasam.

பாட்டி வைத்தியம் · Paati Vaithiyam

Grandmother's home remedies

படிக்கலாம் வாங்க · Padikkalaam Vanga

Let's Read · Neelavaanam by V. Ramanan

V. Ramanan is a writer, journalist and former senior officer at a public-sector bank. Neelavaanam is set in the field of Chennai's airport. A flight ready to take off from Chennai to New York is hijacked — except that this is a hijacking unlike any before. What follows is the story.

"The author writes that he set out to keep the gripping events at the heart of the novel without expanding into too many pages, while still preserving rich detail," and he succeeds. The narrative opens quietly. Priya, a young woman who writes poetry, attends to her duties at the airport.

இது யாருமற்ற வானம்
என்னோடு பேசும் வானம்
என் மொழிகள் எதிரொலிக்கும் வானம்
என் மௌனமும் படர்ந்திருக்கும் வானம்

From here, the lines slowly emerge. The airport's structure, the work of officials and staff, the pre-flight preparations on the ground and in the cabin — all unfold gently. A small lapse at the security check, and pole bombs slip into hand luggage. Suddenly the runway-paced narrative takes wing.

How many details! How many fields are touched! How they all connect, protecting both hostages and aircraft and trapping the perpetrators — that is the rest of the story. Some technical terms may not be familiar, but they should not push readers away. The detail and depth never feel padded; the next time you visit an airport, you may well find yourself looking for the places he describes.

உலகளாவிய தமிழ்ச் செய்திகள் · Ulagalaaviya Tamil Seithigal

Global Tamil News

Heritage

Tamil New Year: between tradition, time, and identity

Should the Tamil New Year begin in Chithirai or Thai? In recent years, the question has sparked wide debate among scholars and the public — a discussion not only about a date, but about history, culture, identity and the evolution of tradition.

Source: yari.com → forum3 → topic

Archaeology

2,000-year-old Tamil-Brahmi inscriptions found in Egypt's Valley of the Kings

Swiss and French scholars have revealed roughly 30 Tamil-Brahmi inscriptions inside royal tombs in the Valley of the Kings, dating to the 1st–3rd centuries CE. The name "Cikai Ko??a?" appears eight times across five tombs — remarkable evidence of ancient Tamil traders deep in the Nile Valley.

Tamil Nadu's Archaeology Minister called the discovery proof that "the Tamil people are a proud civilisation that left their imprint across global cultures, far beyond the seas."

Source: tamilguardian.com

Diaspora

April 2026 declared Tamil Language and Heritage Month in Michigan

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer proclaimed April 2026 as Tamil Language and Heritage Month, continuing a multi-year tradition of recognising the Tamil community's contributions to the state's cultural, economic and social fabric. The proclamation acknowledges Chithirai Thirunaal on April 14 as the start of the Tamil New Year.

Source: michigan.gov

பூந்தளிர் · Poonthalir

Children's Section

Tamil – Tamil – English Dictionary · Synonyms

Five Tamil words, their synonyms and English meanings.

#Tamil wordSynonymEnglish
01அனல் (Anal)நெருப்பு (Neruppu)Fire
02அன்னை (Annai)தாய் (Thai)Mother
03அற்புதம் (Arputham)அதிசயம் (Athisaiyam)Miracle
04அன்பு (Anbu)பிரியம் (Piriyam)Love
05அறிமுகம் (Arimugam)பழக்கம் (Pazhakkam)Introduction

Opposites

#Tamil wordEnglishOpposite (Tamil)Opposite (English)
01சுறுசுறுப்புBusyசோம்பல்Lazy
02கடினம்DifficultஎளிதுEasy
03இரவுNightபகல்Day
04பிரகாசம்Brightமந்தமானDull
05மெதுவாகSlowவேகமாகFast

Tamil Riddles

  1. Without beating or cursing, she will bring tears to others. Who is she?

    Reveal answer

    Onion · வெங்காயம்

  2. She travels from one place to another, twisting and turning, and quenches the thirst of many. Who is she?

    Reveal answer

    River · ஆறு

  3. He sings songs and drinks blood as his food. Who is he?

    Reveal answer

    Mosquito · கொசு

  4. Her entire body is surrounded by teeth; however, she does not know how to bite. Who is she?

    Reveal answer

    Comb · சீப்பு

  5. He drinks air and floats in air. Who is he?

    Reveal answer

    Balloon · பலூன்

Short Story · Miraya's Wonderland

One evening, little Miraya was gazing out of her window, watching the world go by. Blue clouds floated in the sky like soft tufts of cotton. Suddenly, a golden star zoomed down from above. It looked as beautiful as a little toy.

As Miraya reached out to touch it, the star glowed brilliantly and drew a shimmering circle around her. In the blink of an eye, Miraya found herself inside a brand-new world.

It was a wonderland. The trees were made of colourful candies, and a river of rich chocolate flowed by. Speaking flowers giggled and said, "Hello!" Blue horses with wings soared across the sky. A large, fluffy bear was busy selling ice cream.

"What is this place?" she asked. Just then, a beautiful fairy appeared before her, sprinkling stardust. "This is Miraya's Wonderland — where all your dreams live. Now that you are here, you will discover a new story hidden in every candy tree."

Miraya's eyes widened. "Stories? The kind I love?" she asked. Eager to see what other wonders awaited her, she followed the fairy into the distance.

வாசகர் பக்கம் · Vaasakar Pakkam

Readers' Corner

The Mature Mind

Manju Miss looked at her third-grade Section 15A class and said cheerfully, "I'm not taking attendance today — I'm going to tell you a story!" The children cheered.

That Saturday evening, Kavin, an eighth-grade student, went to a large city park with his father, Sivakumar, a software engineer. His father worked all week and made it a habit to spend Sundays in unhurried conversation with his son.

At the entrance to the park, Kavin noticed a scene. A young boy had emptied his cool drink bottle and dropped both it and the snack wrappers carelessly on the grass. A little further away, an elderly man tossed a finished biscuit cover onto the lawn as he walked past.

Kavin's face fell. He felt as if a sign in one corner of the park — "Throw waste in the bin; keep public places clean" — was being mocked. His father said gently, "Kavin, look — the flowers are blooming so beautifully, lighting up the park."

Kavin replied softly, "Father, the flowers are beautiful, yes. But are we using this park the right way? Don't you always say that throwing fruit peel on the road can cause an accident? In the same way, the small bits of waste we drop become a danger here too."

Touched by his son's social conscience, Sivakumar swelled with pride. "Kavin, what you say is absolutely right. We must never act in a way that, for our own convenience or laziness, brings harm to others."

Kavin took out a bag he had brought along and began collecting the scattered plastic litter, one piece at a time. Other young people and youngsters joined him, and within half an hour the area was spotless.

Moral: What we do for our own comfort or out of carelessness must not cause inconvenience to others. Concern for society is the true mark of a worthy citizen.

Who is that little rabbit?

He wakes up early in the morning. He peeks again and again to check if we are awake. The slightest movement and he comes running, leaping on top of us. A kiss from him brings such joy.

He never stops chattering. Even when we play rough games and worry — "oh no, don't do that!" — he takes our concern as encouragement and keeps doing it more. Even when we say it isn't easy for us, he doesn't listen. Praise his small effort and he laughs and does it again, again, again.

He makes things stir when he is near. He makes us yearn when he is far. Who is that little rabbit? My life's spring, my sweet grandson — who else but him?

A travel essay · Can we go to Europe?

Everyone in the world dreams of seeing it. We had a dream of touring Europe, too. My friends Rama Krishnamurthy and Shanthi shared their experience of touring Schengen countries through @Sree Janaki Tours last year — and to give us courage, they sent us along to Sree Janaki Tours.

Then trouble began. Iran, Israel, the United States — wars escalated, and Qatar Airways flights were cancelled. In February, in T. Nagar Mathsya, the team had organised an extraordinary buffet lunch for travellers. With the assurance "the trip will not be cancelled," they explained clearly what we needed to bring, where we could buy things at the lowest price and best quality.

True to that assurance, they swapped our Qatar tickets for Etihad without any extra charge. Some of us hesitated about the Abu Dhabi route, but my son's family had just flown back from Abu Dhabi to Chennai, so we trusted that path.

Ready-made uppuma, poha, Pongal, chutney — every snack was ordered through Amazon. We bought instant Narasus coffee in Pondy Bazaar, and instant tea on Amazon. Thermal wear, goggles and waterproof shoes filled our long Decathlon list. Forex Nabar even brought our euros to our doorstep.

To be continued in the next issue — meeting in Abu Dhabi.

Reader artwork

Anjali Suhadev · Victoria, Canada
Acrylic on canvas — wildflower meadow
Spoorthi, age 9 · San Francisco, USA
Balloon flower bouquet

தமிழ் பயிற்சி · Tamil Pairchi

Tamil Exercises · Learn to write Tamil

Letter of the month:

Pronunciation
"ch" as in catch
Length
Short
Examples
பச்சை, எலுமிச்சை

Practice tracing pages can be downloaded for printing. Five letters and five words with visual stroke guides.

Download practice sheet (PDF)

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