The Tamil Calendar is a traditional Hindu solar calendar used predominantly in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu and by Tamil communities worldwide. It plays a crucial role in determining religious festivals, auspicious events, and agricultural activities. Rooted in ancient Indian astronomy, the Tamil Calendar is a unique blend of scientific precision and cultural tradition.

Structure of the Tamil Calendar

The Tamil Calendar follows the solar cycle and is closely aligned with the sidereal year, where months are determined based on the Sun's transit through zodiac signs (Rāśi). The year consists of twelve months, each named after a star or constellation through which the Sun moves.

Tamil Months and Their Corresponding Gregorian Periods

Chithirai (April – May) – Marks the Tamil New Year (Puthandu)

Vaikasi (May – June) – Vaikasi Visakam, an important festival of Lord Murugan

Aani (June – July) – Aani Thirumanjanam, dedicated to Lord Nataraja

Aadi (July – August) – Considered inauspicious for weddings but significant for Goddess worship

Avani (August – September) – Krishna Jayanthi and Avani Avittam rituals

Purattasi (September – October) – Devoted to Lord Vishnu; Purattasi Saturdays are sacred

Aippasi (October – November) – Celebrates Deepavali and Annabishekam

Karthigai (November – December) – Karthigai Deepam, a festival of lights

Margazhi (December – January) – A highly tamil muhurtham dates spiritual month known for Tiruppavai and Bhajans

Thai (January – February) – Thai Pongal, a grand harvest festival

Maasi (February – March) – Mahashivaratri and Masi Magam are celebrated

Panguni (March – April) – Panguni Uthiram, marking divine marriages in mythology

Days of the Tamil Calendar Week

The Tamil week consists of seven days, similar to the Gregorian calendar:

Sunday – Nyaayiru

Monday – Thingal

Tuesday – click here Chevvai

Wednesday – Budhan

Thursday – Vyazhan

Friday – Velli

Saturday – Sani

Auspicious Days & Festivals in the Tamil Calendar

Tamil culture more info places immense importance on auspicious and inauspicious days, determined based on planetary positions and tithi (lunar day). The calendar dictates the celebration of festivals such as:

Tamil New Year (Puthandu) – Celebrated in Chithirai, marking the beginning of a new year.

Pongal – A major harvest festival in Thai month, thanking the Sun God.

Thaipusam – A festival dedicated to Lord Murugan.

Deepavali – The festival of lights celebrated in Aippasi.

Karthigai Deepam – A festival of lamps, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness.

Influence on Tamil Culture & Daily Life

The Tamil Calendar is deeply integrated into the cultural and religious fabric of Tamil society. It is used to fix wedding dates, naming ceremonies, housewarming functions, and other significant life events. Additionally, it influences agriculture, as farmers rely on seasonal predictions for sowing and harvesting crops.

Conclusion

The Tamil Calendar is a testament to the rich cultural and astronomical heritage of Tamil civilization. Beyond marking time, it continues to guide the spiritual, agricultural, and social aspects of Tamil life, ensuring that traditions are upheld while keeping the rhythms of nature in harmony.