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{{redirect|Thai month|months in the Thai calendar|Thai solar calendar|and|Thai lunar calendar}}
{{Short description|Sidereal Hindu calendar used by the Tamil people}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2020}}
{{Use British English|date=August 2010}}
{{Use British English|date=August 2010}}
The '''Tamil calendar''' is a [[Sidereal time|sidereal]] [[Hindu calendar]] used by the [[Tamil people]] of the [[Indian subcontinent]].<ref>S.K. Chatterjee, Indian Calendric System, Publications Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, 1998</ref><ref>Sewell, Robert and Dikshit, Sankara B.: The Indian Calendar – with tables for the conversion of Hindu and Muhammadan into a.d. dates, and vice versa. Motilal Banarsidass Publ., Delhi, India (1995). Originally published in 1896</ref> It is also used in [[Puducherry (union territory)|Puducherry]], and by the [[Tamil people|Tamil]] population in [[Sri Lanka]], [[Malaysia]], [[Singapore]], and [[Mauritius]]. Tamil Nadu farmers greatly refer to this. It is used today for cultural, religious and agricultural events,<ref>Indian Epigraphy, D.C. Sircar, TamilNet, Tamil New Year, 13 April 2008</ref> with the [[Gregorian calendar]] largely used for official purposes both within and outside India. The Tamil calendar is based on the classical [[Hindu calendar|Hindu solar calendar]] also used in [[Assam]], [[West Bengal]], [[Kerala]], [[Manipur]], [[Nepal]], [[Odisha]], [[Rajasthan]] and [[Punjab, India|Punjab]]<ref>S.K. Chatterjee, Indian Calendric System, Publications Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, 1998.</ref>
[[File:TamilMonths-SanskritMonths-English.png|thumb|Months of the Tamil calendar]]


The calendar follows a 60-year cycle which is also very ancient and is observed by most traditional calendars of India and China. This is related to 5 revolutions of Jupiter around the Sun and to 60-year orbit of ''Nakshatras'' (stars) as mentioned in [[Surya Siddhanta]].
The '''Tamil calendar''' is a [[Sidereal time|sidereal]] [[solar calendar]] used by the [[Tamil people]].<ref>S.K. Chatterjee, Indian Calendric System, Publications Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, 1998</ref><ref>Sewell, Robert and Dikshit, Sankara B.: The Indian Calendar – with tables for the conversion of Hindu and Muhammadan into a.d. dates, and vice versa. Motilal Banarsidass Publ., Delhi, India (1995). Originally published in 1896</ref> It is used in the [[Indian subcontinent]], and other countries with significant Tamil population like [[Sri Lanka]], [[Malaysia]], [[Singapore]], [[Myanmar]] and [[Mauritius]]. It is used in contemporary times for cultural, religious and agricultural events, with the [[Gregorian calendar]] largely used for official purposes.<ref>Indian Epigraphy, D.C. Sircar, TamilNet, Tamil New Year, 13 April 2008</ref>


In the Gregorian Year {{CURRENTYEAR}} the '''Tamil year''' starts on 14 April {{CURRENTYEAR}}, [[Kaliyuga]] {{#expr:{{CURRENTYEAR}}+3102}}. [[Vikrama era|Vikrama]] and [[Shalivahana era|Shalivahana]] Saka eras are also used.
== History ==
There are several references to the calendar in early [[Tamil literature]]. [[Nakkeerar]], the [[Sangam period]] author of the ''[[Neṭunalvāṭai]]'', wrote in the third century CE that the Sun travels each year from [[Mesha (month)|Mesha]]/[[Chaitra|Chittirai]] in mid-April through 11 successive signs of the zodiac.<ref>{{cite book|author=JV Chelliah|title=Pattupattu: Ten Tamil Idylls. Tamil Verses with English Translation|location=[[Thanjavur]]|publisher=[[Tamil University]]|year=1985|chapter=Neṭunalvāṭai (lines 160 to 162)}}</ref> The same is referenced to by Kūdalūr Kiḻar in ''[[Puṟanāṉūṟu]]''.<ref>{{cite book|title=The Four Hundred Songs of War and Wisdom: An Anthology of Poems from Classical Tamil, The Purananuru|publisher=[[Columbia University Press]]|date=13 August 2013|chapter=Poem 229}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author=Vaiyapuri Pillai|title=History of Tamil Language and Literature|location=[[Chennai]]|year=1956|pages=35, 151}}</ref> ''[[Tolkāppiyam|Tolkappiyam]]'', the oldest surviving Tamil grammar text, divides the year into six seasons and Chittirai marks the start of the "ilavenil" (summer) season.<ref>{{cite book|title=Tolkappiyam Porulatikaram, Peraciriyam|editor=R.P.C Pavanantam Pillai|publisher=Longmans, Creen and Co|year=1917}}</ref> The fifth century CE treatise of ''[[Cilappatikaram]]'' mentions the 12 [[rāśi]]s (zodiac signs) that correspond to the Tamil months.<ref>{{cite book|author=R. Parthasarathy|title=The Tale of an Anklet: An Epic of South India: The Cilappatikāram of Iḷaṅko Aṭikaḷ|location=[[New York city]]|publisher=[[Columbia University Press]]|quote=Canto 26. Canto 5 also describes the foremost festival in the Chola country – the Indra Vizha celebrated in Chitterai}}</ref> The sixth century epic ''[[Manimekalai]]'' alludes to this to the Hindu solar calendar.<ref>{{cite book|author=[[Lakshmi Holmström|Lakshmi Holmstrom]]|title=Silappadikaram, Manimekalai|publisher=[[Orient Longman]]|location=[[Madras]]|year=1996}}</ref>  
There are '''several references''' in early [[Tamil literature]] to the new year. Nakkirar, [[Sangam period]] author of the ''[[Neṭunalvāṭai]]'', wrote in the third century CE that the Sun travels each year from Mesha/Chitterai in mid-April through 11 successive signs of the zodiac.<ref>JV Chelliah: Pattupattu: Ten Tamil Idylls. Tamil Verses with English Translation. Thanjavur: Tamil University, 1985 -Lines 160 to 162 of the Neṭunalvāṭai.</ref> Kūdalūr Kizhaar in the third century CE refers to Mesha Raasi/Chitterai i.e. mid-April as the commencement of the year in the [[Puṟanāṉūṟu]].<ref>The Four Hundred Songs of War and Wisdom: An Anthology of Poems from Classical Tamil, The Purananuru. Columbia University Press. 13 August 2013 – Poem 229 of Puṟanāṉūṟu</ref><ref>Professor Vaiyapuri Pillai, 'History of Tamil Language and Literature' Chennai, 1956, pp. 35, 151</ref> The Tolkaapiyam is the oldest surviving Tamil grammar text that divides the year into six seasons where Chitterai i.e. mid-April marks the start of the ''Ilavenil'' season or Summer.<ref>Tolkappiyam Porulatikaram, Peraciriyam. Ed. by R.P.C Pavanantam Pillai. 2 Vols, Longmans,Creen and Co, Madras/Bombay/Calcutta. 1917</ref> The 5th century Silappadikaaram mentions the 12 Raasis or zodiac signs that correspond to the Tamil months starting with Mesha/Chitterai in mid-April.<ref>R. Parthasarathy, The Tale of an Anklet: An Epic of South India: The Cilappatikāram of Iḷaṅko Aṭikaḷ. New York: Columbia University Press – Canto 26. Canto 5 also describes the foremost festival in the Chola country – the Indra Vizha celebrated in Chitterai</ref> The [[Manimekalai]] alludes to this very same Hindu solar calendar as we know it today<ref>Lakshmi Holmstrom, Silappadikaram, Manimekalai, Orient Longman Ltd, Madras 1996.</ref> Adiyarkunalaar, an early medieval commentator or Urai-asiriyar mentions the twelve months of the Tamil calendar with particular reference to Chitterai i.e. mid-April. There were subsequent inscriptional references in Pagan, Burma dated to the 11th century CE and in Sukhothai, Thailand dated to the 14th century CE to South Indian, often Vaishnavite, courtiers who were tasked with defining the traditional calendar that began in mid-April.<ref>G.H. Luce, Old Burma – Early Pagan, Locust Valley, New York, p. 68, and A.B. Griswold, 'Towards a History of Sukhodaya Art, Bangkok 1967, pages 12–32</ref>


The Tamil New Year follows the ''nirayanam'' [[March equinox|vernal equinox]]<ref>Dershowitz, Nachum and Reingold, Edward M.: Calendrical Calculations. Third edition, Cambridge University Press (2008).</ref>{{Page needed|date=February 2020}} and generally falls on 14 April of the Gregorian year. 14 April marks the first day of the traditional Tamil calendar and is a public holiday in the state of Tamil Nadu, Sri Lanka and Mauritius. Tropical vernal equinox fall around 22 March, and by adding 23 degrees of trepidation (oscillation) to it, we get the Hindu sidereal or ''Nirayana Mesha Sankranti'' (Sun's transition into ''nirayana'' Aries). Hence, the Tamil calendar begins on the same date in April which is observed by most traditional calendars of the rest of India – [[Assam]], [[Bengal]], [[Kerala]], [[Odisha]], [[Manipur]], [[Punjab, India|Punjab]] etc.<ref>Underhill, Muriel M.: The Hindu Religious Year. Association Press, Kolkata, India (1921).</ref> This also coincides with the traditional new year in [[Burma]], [[Cambodia]], [[Laos]], [[Sri Lanka]], [[Bangladesh]], [[Nepal]] and [[Thailand]].
Inscriptional evidences from [[Pagan, Myanmar|Pagan]] in Myanmar from the 11th century CE and in [[Sukhothai (city)|Sukhothai]] in Thailand from the 14th century CE point to South Indian courtiers being tasked with defining the traditional calendar that followed a similar cycle.<ref>{{cite book|author=G.H. Luce|title=Old Burma – Early Pagan|location=Locust Valley, New York|page=68}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author=A.B. Griswold|title=Towards a History of Sukhodaya Art|location=[[Bangkok]]|year=1967|pages=12–32}}</ref>


==Week==
== Description ==
The days of week (Kizhamai) in the Tamil Calendar relate to the celestial bodies in the solar system: [[Sun]], [[Moon]], [[Mars]], [[Mercury (planet)|Mercury]], [[Jupiter]], [[Venus]], and [[Saturn]], in that order. The week starts with Sunday.
The Tamil calendar is based on the Hindu system of calendrics that was used to calculate date and time.<ref>{{cite book|author=Wijk, Walther E. van|title=On Hindu Chronology, parts I–V|publisher=Acta Orientalia|year=1922–1927}}</ref> The ''Tirukkanida [[Panchanga]]'' derived from astronomical data is used as a basis for the same.<ref>{{cite book|author=[[Helena Blavatsky|H.P. Blavatsky]]|title=The Secret Doctrine: The Synthesis of Science, Religion and Philosophy|pages=49–51|publisher=Theosophical University Press|year=1888}}</ref> The calendar is similar to traditional calendars followed in other parts of the [[Indian subcontinent]], and [[Southeast Asia]].<ref>{{cite book|author=Underhill, Muriel M.|title=The Hindu Religious Year|publisher=Association Press|location=[[Kolkata]]|year=1921}}</ref>


{| class="wikitable"
The Tamil calendar follows a 60-year cycle similar to the other traditional calendars of India.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.timeanddate.com/calendar/tamil-calendar.html|title=The Tamil Calendar – 60-Year Cycle |work=Time and Date |access-date=1 October 2025}}</ref> The [[Puthandu|Tamil New Year]] follows the ''[[Nirayana system]]'', and usually falls on 13 or 14 April in the [[Gregorian calendar|Gregorian]] year.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.speakingtree.in/blog/tamil-calendar|title=Tamil Calendar |work=Speaking Tree |access-date=1 October 2025}}</ref> The new year starts on the date arrived by adding the days corresponding to the 23 degrees of trepidation (oscillation) to the [[March equinox|vernal equinox]], when the Sun begins its transition as per the Hindu sidereal calendar.<ref>{{cite book|author=[[Nachum Dershowitz|Dershowitz, Nachum]] and [[Edward Reingold|Reingold, Edward M.]]|title=Calendrical Calculations|edition=third|publisher=[[Cambridge University Press]]|year=2008}}</ref>{{pn|date=February 2020}} A Tamil calendar year might consist of 365 or 366 days in a year.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.tamildigitallibrary.in/admin/assets/book/TVA_BOK_0047959/TVA_BOK_0047959_South_Indian_chronological_tables_1889.pdf|title=South-Indian Chronological Tables (1889) |work=Tamil Digital Library |access-date=1 October 2025}}</ref>
! in Tamil
! Transliteration
! In Sanskrit
! Lord or Planet
! Gregorian Calendar equivalent
|-
| ஞாயிற்றுக்கிழமை
| ''Nyayitru-kizhamai''
| Ravi-vaasara
| Sun
| Sunday
|-
| திங்கட்கிழமை
| ''thingat-kizhamai''
| Soma-vaasara
| Moon
| Monday
|-
| செவ்வாய்க்கிழமை
| ''Chevvai-kizhamai''
| Mangala-vaasara
| Mars
| Tuesday
|-
| புதன்கிழமை
| ''bhudhan-kizhamai''
| Budan -vaasara
| Mercury
| Wednesday
|-
| வியாழக்கிழமை
| ''vyazha-kizhamai''
| Guru Vaasara
| Jupiter
| Thursday
|-
| வெள்ளிக்கிழமை
| ''VeLLi-kizhamai''
| Sukra-vaasara
| Venus
| Friday
|-
| சனிக்கிழமை
| ''sani-kizhamai''
| Shani-vaasara
| Saturn
| Saturday
|}
 
==Months==
The number of days in a month varies between 29 and 32.
These are the months of the Tamil Calendar.
 
{| class="wikitable"
! style="width:88px" | In Tamil
! style="width:100px" | Transliteration
! style="width:120px" | Sanskrit Name *
! style="width:200px" | Gregorian Calendar equivalent
|-
| சித்திரை
| ''Cittirai''
| ''Chaitra''
| mid-April to mid-May
|-
| வைகாசி
| ''Vaikāsi''
| ''Vaisākha''
| mid-May to mid-June
|-
| ஆனி
| ''Āni''
| ''Jyaishtha''
| mid-June to mid-July
|-
| ஆடி
| ''Ādi''
| ''Āshāḍha''
| mid-July to mid-August
|-
| ஆவணி
| ''Āvaṇi''
| ''Shrāvaṇa''
| mid-August to mid-September
|-
| புரட்டாசி
| ''Puraṭṭāsi''
| ''Bhādrapada''/''Prauṣṭhapada''
| mid-September to mid-October
|-
| ஐப்பசி
| ''Aippasi''
| ''Ashwina''/''Ashvayuja''
| mid-October to mid-November
|-
| கார்த்திகை
| ''Kārttikai''
| ''Kārttika''
| mid-November to mid-December
|-
| மார்கழி
| ''Mārkazhi''
| ''Mārgaṣīrṣa''
| mid-December to mid-January
|-
| தை
| ''Tai''
| ''Pausha''/''Taiṣya''
| mid-January to mid-February
|-
| மாசி
| ''Māsi''
| ''Māgha''
| mid-February to mid-March
|-
| பங்குனி
| ''Paṅkuni''
| ''Phalguna''
| mid-March to mid-April
|}
 
Note: The Sanskrit month starts a few weeks ahead of the Tamil month since the Tamil calendar is a [[solar calendar]] while the Sanskrit calendar is a [[lunisolar]] calendar<ref>Kielhorn, Franz: Festal Days of the Hindu Lunar Calendar. The Indian Anti-
quary XXVI, 177–187 (1897).</ref>
 
==Seasons==
 
The Tamil year, in keeping with the old Indic calendar, is divided into six seasons, each of which lasts two months:
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Season in Tamil
! Transliteration
! English Translation
! Season in Sanskrit
! Season in English
! Tamil Months
! Gregorian Months
|-
| இளவேனில் || ''ila-venil'' || Light warmth || ''Vasanta'' || Spring || chithirai, vaigāsi || Mid Apr – Mid Jun
|-
| முதுவேனில் || ''mutu-venil'' || Harsh warmth || ''Grishma'' || Summer || āni, ādi || Mid Jun – Mid Aug
|-
| கார் || ''kaar'' || Dark clouds, Rain || ''Varsha'' || Monsoon || āvani, puratāci || Mid Aug – Mid Oct
|-
| குளிர் || ''kulir'' || Chill / Cold || ''Sharada'' || Autumn || aippasi, kārthigai || Mid Oct – Mid Dec
|-
| முன்பனி || ''mun-pani'' || Early mist / dew || ''Hemanta'' || Winter || mārkazhi, tai || Mid Dec – Mid Feb
|-
| பின்பனி || ''pin-pani'' || Late mist / dew || ''Sishira'' || Prevernal || māsi, panguni || Mid Feb – Mid Apr
|-
|}


==Sixty-year cycle==
==Sixty-year cycle==
{{further|Samvatsara}}
{{further|Samvatsara}}
The 60-year cycle is common to both North and South Indian traditional calendars, with the same name and sequence of years. Its earliest reference is to be found in [[Surya Siddhanta]], which [[Varahamihira]]r (550 CE) believed to be the most accurate of the then current theories of astronomy. However, in the Surya Siddhantic list, the first year was ''Vijaya'' and not ''Prabhava'' as currently used. There are some parallels in this [[sexagenary cycle]] with the [[Chinese calendar]].<ref>Samuel Wells Williams, The Middle Kingdom, V 2, Columbia University Press, New York, 2005 pp. 69–70</ref><ref>Paul Kekai Manansala, Quests of the Dragon and Bird Clan, 2006, p. 236</ref><ref>Terrien de Lacouperie, Western Origin of the Early Chinese Civilization: From 2,300 BC to 20 AD, Asher and Co, London 1894 p. 78</ref> The Surya Siddhanta and other Indian classical texts on astronomy had some influence on the Chinese calendar<ref>George Gheverghese Joseph, Crest of the Peacock: Non-European Roots of Mathematics, Princeton University Press, 2011, p. 304-305</ref> although it merits attention that the sexagenary cycle in China is itself very old.


After the completion of sixty years, the calendar starts a new with the first year. This corresponds to the Hindu "century." The ''Vakya'' or ''Tirukannitha Panchangam'' (the traditional Tamil almanac) outlines this sequence. It is related to the position of the planets in the sky with respect to earth. It means that the two major planets Sani/Saturn (which takes 30 years to complete one cycle round the sun) and the Viyazhan/Jupiter (which takes 12 years to complete one cycle round the Sun) comes to the same position after 60 years.
The 60-year cycle is common to Hindu traditional calendars, with similar names and sequence of years. The earliest reference of the same is in ''[[Surya Siddhanta]]'', dated between 4th and 9th century CE. There are parallels to the [[sexagenary cycle]] used in the [[Chinese calendar]],<ref>{{cite book|author=[[Samuel Wells Williams]]|title=The Middle Kingdom|publisher=[[Columbia University Press]]|location=[[New York city]]|year=2005|pages=69–70}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author=Paul Kekai Manansala|title=Quests of the Dragon and Bird Clan|year= 2006|page=236}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author=Terrien de Lacouperie|title=Western Origin of the Early Chinese Civilization: From 2,300 BC to 20 AD|publisher=Asher and Co|location=[[London]]|year=1894|page=78}}</ref> though which influenced the other has been subject to debate.<ref>{{cite book|author=[[George Gheverghese Joseph]]|title=Crest of the Peacock: Non-European Roots of Mathematics|publisher=[[Princeton University Press]]|year=2011|pages=304–305}}</ref>
 
After the completion of a cycle of sixty years, the calendar re-starts with the first year of a new cycle.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.anaadi.org/post/indian-calendar-part-3-the-panchangam|title=Indian Calendar Part 3 – The Panchangam |work=Anaadi Foundation |date=17 July 2018 |access-date=1 October 2025}}</ref> As per the Hindu ''[[Panchangam]]'', it represents the year in which ''[[Shani]]'' [[Saturn]] (which takes 30 years to complete one cycle round the Sun) and ''[[Brihaspati|Vyalan]]'' ([[Jupiter]]) (which takes 12 years to complete one cycle round the Sun) come to a same position after 60 years.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thedivineindia.com/samvatsara/7082|title=Samvatsara – The Name of the Hindu Year |work=The Divine India |access-date=1 October 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://culkey.org/blog/samvatsara/|title=Samvatsara |work=CulKey Foundation |access-date=1 October 2025}}</ref>


The following list presents the current 60-year cycle of the Tamil calendar:<ref>Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami, Vedic calendar: Kadavul Hindu Panchangam, Himalayan Academy, Kapaa, Hawaii, 1997; pp. 5–6,Glossary p 10</ref>
The following list presents the current 60-year cycle of the Tamil calendar:<ref>{{cite book|author=[[Sivaya Subramuniyaswami|Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami]]|title=Vedic calendar: Kadavul Hindu Panchangam|publisher=Himalayan Academy|location=Kapaa, Hawaii|year=1997|pages=5–6, 10}}</ref>


{| class="wikitable"
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:left;" style="font-size: 90%"
! style="width:20px" | No.
! style="width:20px" | No.
! style="width:150px" | Name
! style="width:150px" | Name
! style="width:100px" | Name (English)
! style="width:100px" | Transliteration
! style="width:100px" | Gregorian Year
! style="width:100px" | Gregorian Year
! style="width:75px" |
! style="width:75px" |
! style="width:20px" | No.
! style="width:20px" | No.
! style="width:150px" | Name
! style="width:150px" | Name
! style="width:100px" | Name (English)
! style="width:100px" | Transliteration
! style="width:100px" | Gregorian Year
! style="width:100px" | Gregorian Year
|-
|-
| 01.
| 01.
| பிரபவ
| பிரபவ
| ''Prabhava''
| ''Prabhāva''
| 1987–1988
| 1987–1988
|
|
| 31.
| 31.
| ஹேவிளம்பி
| ஹேவிளம்பி
| ''Hevilambi''
| ''Hēvilaṃbi''
| 2017–2018
| 2017–2018
|-
|-
| 02.
| 02.
| விபவ
| விபவ
| ''Vibhava''
| ''Vibhāva''
| 1988–1989
| 1988–1989
|
|
| 32.
| 32.
| விளம்பி
| விளம்பி
| ''Vilambi''
| ''Vilaṃbi''
| 2018–2019
| 2018–2019
|-
|-
| 03.
| 03.
| சுக்ல
| சுக்ல
| ''Sukla''
| ''Śuklā''
| 1989–1990
| 1989–1990
|
|
| 33.
| 33.
| விகாரி
| விகாரி
| ''Vikari''
| ''Vikāri''
| 2019–2020
| 2019–2020
|-
|-
| 04.
| 04.
| பிரமோதூத
| பிரமோதூத
| ''Pramodoota''
| ''Pramadutā''
| 1990–1991
| 1990–1991
|
|
| 34.
| 34.
| சார்வரி
| சார்வரி
| ''Sarvari''
| ''Śarvarī''
| 2020–2021
| 2020–2021
|-
|-
| 05.
| 05.
| பிரசோற்பத்தி
| பிரசோற்பத்தி
| ''Prachorpaththi''
| ''Prachopati''
| 1991–1992
| 1991–1992
|
|
Line 237: Line 88:
| 06.
| 06.
| ஆங்கீரச
| ஆங்கீரச
| ''Aangirasa''
| ''Āṅgirasa''
| 1992–1993
| 1992–1993
|
|
| 36.
| 36.
| சுபகிருது
| சுபகிருது
| ''Subakrith''
| ''Śubhakṛt''
| 2022–2023
| 2022–2023
|-
|-
| 07.
| 07.
| ஸ்ரீமுக
| ஸ்ரீமுக
| ''Srimukha''
| ''Śrīmukha''
| 1993–1994
| 1993–1994
|
|
| 37.
| 37.
| சோபக்ருத்
| சோபக்ருத்
| ''Sobakrith''
| ''Śobhakṛt''
| 2023–2024
| 2023–2024
|-
|-
Line 262: Line 113:
| 38.
| 38.
| க்ரோதி
| க்ரோதி
| ''Krodhi''
| ''Krodhī''
| 2024–2025
| 2024–2025
|-
|-
Line 272: Line 123:
| 39.
| 39.
| விசுவாசுவ
| விசுவாசுவ
| ''Visuvaasuva''
| ''Viśvāvasuva''
| 2025–2026
| 2025–2026
|-
|-
| 10.
| 10.
| தாது
| தாது
| ''Dhaatu''
| ''Dhātu''
| 1996–1997
| 1996–1997
|
|
| 40.
| 40.
| பரபாவ
| பரபாவ
| ''Parabhaava''
| ''Parapāva''
| 2026–2027
| 2026–2027
|-
|-
| 11.
| 11.
| ஈஸ்வர
| ஈஸ்வர
| ''Eesvara''
| ''Īśvara''
| 1997–1998
| 1997–1998
|
|
| 41.
| 41.
| ப்லவங்க
| ப்லவங்க
| ''Plavanga''
| ''Plavaṅga''
| 2027–2028
| 2027–2028
|-
|-
| 12.
| 12.
| வெகுதானிய
| வெகுதானிய
| ''Vehudhanya''
| ''Vehudānya''
| 1998–1999
| 1998–1999
|
|
| 42.
| 42.
| கீலக
| கீலக
| ''Keelaka''
| ''Kīlaka''  
| 2028–2029
| 2028–2029
|-
|-
| 13.
| 13.
| பிரமாதி
| பிரமாதி
| ''Pramathi''
| ''Pramāti''
| 1999–2000
| 1999–2000
|
|
Line 322: Line 173:
| 44.
| 44.
| சாதாரண
| சாதாரண
| ''Sadharana''
| ''Sādhāraṇa''
| 2030–2031
| 2030–2031
|-
|-
| 15.
| 15.
| விஷு
| விஷு
| ''Vishu''
| ''Viṣu''
| 2001–2002
| 2001–2002
|
|
| 45.
| 45.
| விரோதகிருது
| விரோதகிருது
| ''Virodhikrithu''
| ''Virodhikṛti''
| 2031–2032
| 2031–2032
|-
|-
| 16.
| 16.
| சித்திரபானு
| சித்திரபானு
| ''Chitrabaanu''
| ''Citrabhānu''
| 2002–2003
| 2002–2003
|
|
| 46.
| 46.
| பரிதாபி
| பரிதாபி
| ''Paridhaabi''
| ''Paritapi''
| 2032–2033
| 2032–2033
|-
|-
| 17.
| 17.
| சுபானு
| சுபானு
| ''Subhaanu''
| ''Subhānu''
| 2003–2004
| 2003–2004
|
|
| 47.
| 47.
| பிரமாதீச
| பிரமாதீச
| ''Pramaadheesa''
| ''Pramādīca''
| 2033–2034
| 2033–2034
|-
|-
| 18.
| 18.
| தாரண
| தாரண
| ''Dhaarana''
| ''Dhārana''
| 2004–2005
| 2004–2005
|
|
| 48.
| 48.
| ஆனந்த
| ஆனந்த
| ''Aanandha''
| ''Ānanda''
| 2034–2035
| 2034–2035
|-
|-
| 19.
| 19.
| பார்த்திப
| பார்த்திப
| ''Paarthiba''
| ''Partibhā''
| 2005–2006
| 2005–2006
|
|
| 49.
| 49.
| ராட்சச
| ராட்சச
| ''Rakshasa''
| ''Rākṣasaḥ''
| 2035–2036
| 2035–2036
|-
|-
Line 387: Line 238:
| 21.
| 21.
| சர்வஜித்
| சர்வஜித்
| ''Sarvajith''
| ''Sarvajit''
| 2007–2008
| 2007–2008
|
|
| 51.
| 51.
| பிங்கள
| பிங்கள
| ''Pingala''
| ''Piṅgāla''
| 2037–2038
| 2037–2038
|-
|-
| 22.
| 22.
| சர்வதாரி
| சர்வதாரி
| ''Sarvadhaari''
| ''Sarvadhārī''
| 2008–2009
| 2008–2009
|
|
| 52.
| 52.
| காளயுக்தி
| காளயுக்தி
| ''Kalayukthi''
| ''Kālayukti''
| 2038–2039
| 2038–2039
|-
|-
| 23.
| 23.
| விரோதி
| விரோதி
| ''Virodhi''
| ''Virodhī''
| 2009–2010
| 2009–2010
|
|
| 53.
| 53.
| சித்தார்த்தி
| சித்தார்த்தி
| ''Siddharthi''
| ''Siddhidātrī''
| 2039–2040
| 2039–2040
|-
|-
| 24.
| 24.
| விக்ருதி
| விக்ருதி
| ''Vikruthi''
| ''Vikṛti''
| 2010–2011
| 2010–2011
|
|
| 54.
| 54.
| ரௌத்திரி
| ரௌத்திரி
| ''Raudhri''
| ''Rautrī''
| 2040–2041
| 2040–2041
|-
|-
Line 432: Line 283:
| 55.
| 55.
| துன்மதி
| துன்மதி
| ''Dunmathi''
| ''Dhūnmatī''
| 2041–2042
| 2041–2042
|-
|-
Line 442: Line 293:
| 56.
| 56.
| துந்துபி
| துந்துபி
| ''Dhundubhi''
| ''Dundubhi''
| 2042–2043
| 2042–2043
|-
|-
Line 452: Line 303:
| 57.
| 57.
| ருத்ரோத்காரி
| ருத்ரோத்காரி
| ''Rudhrodhgaari''
| ''Rudhirōtgāri''
| 2043–2044
| 2043–2044
|-
|-
Line 462: Line 313:
| 58.
| 58.
| ரக்தாட்சி
| ரக்தாட்சி
| ''Raktaakshi''
| ''Rākṣasī''
| 2044–2045
| 2044–2045
|-
|-
Line 472: Line 323:
| 59.
| 59.
| க்ரோதன
| க்ரோதன
| ''Krodhana''
| ''Krodhanā''
| 2045–2046
| 2045–2046
|-
|-
| 30.
| 30.
| துன்முகி
| துன்முகி
| ''Dhunmuki''
| ''Dhuṇmūkī''
| 2016–2017
| 2016–2017
|
|
| 60.
| 60.
| அட்சய
| அட்சய
| Akshaya
| ''Akṣayā''
| 2046–2047
| 2046–2047
|}
|}


==Celebrations==
==Months==
The months of the Tamil Calendar have great significance and are deeply rooted in the faith of the [[Tamil people|Tamil]] [[Hindu]]s. Some months are considered very auspicious while a few are considered inauspicious as well. Tamil months start and end based on the Sun's shift from one Rasi to the other but the names of the months are based on the star on the start of Pournami in that month. The name of the month is some times the name of the star itself. (e.g. Chithrai is always the star on the Pournami of the Chithirai month).
There are twelve months in the Tamil calendar, with 29 to 32 days per month.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hindudevotionalblog.com/2009/05/tamil-months-calendar-with-names-in.html|title=Tamil Months Calendar with names in Sanskrit, Malayalam & English|date=May 2009|work=Hindu Devotional Blog|access-date=1 October 2025}}</ref> Tamil months start and end based on the Sun's shift from one [[Rāśi|rasi]] to the other, and the names of the months are based on the [[nakshatra]] (star) that coincides with the start of the [[Purnima|pournami]] (full moon) in that month.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2024/Apr/13/cultural-chronicles-in-calendar-2438764.html|title=Cultural Chronicles in Calendar|quote=On the full moon day … the nakshatra (star) that is regarded&ndash;be ascendant … hence the month is named|work=[[The New Indian Express]] |access-date=1 October 2025}}</ref> The Tamil calendar month starts a few days after the corresponding [[Hindu calendar]] month as the Tamil calendar is a [[solar calendar]], while the other is a [[lunisolar]] calendar.<ref name="Kielhorn">{{cite journal|author=[[Lorenz Franz Kielhorn|Kielhorn, Franz]]|title=Festal Days of the Hindu Lunar Calendar|journal=The Indian Antiquary|volume=XXVI|pages=177–187|year=1897}}</ref>
 
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:left;" style="font-size: 90%"
! Month (in [[Tamil language|Tamil]])
! English transliteration
! [[Hindu calendar|Hindu]] [[Lunar calendar]]
! [[Nakshatra]]
! [[Gregorian calendar]]
! Days
|-
| [[:ta:சித்திரை|சித்திரை]]
| ''[[Chithirai|Chittirai]]''
| ''[[Chaitra]]''
| [[Spica|Chittirai]]
| April&ndash;May
| 30&ndash;31
|-
| [[:ta:வைகாசி|வைகாசி]]
| ''[[Vaikasi|Vaikāsi]]''
| ''[[Vaisakha]]''
| [[Vishākhā|Visakam]]
| May&ndash;June
| 31&ndash;32
|-
| [[:ta:ஆனி|ஆனி]]
| ''[[Aani (month)|Āni]]''
| ''[[Jyestha]]''
| [[Jyeshtha (nakshatra)|Anusham]]
| June&ndash;July
| 31&ndash;32
|-
| [[:ta:ஆடி (மாதம்)|ஆடி]]
| ''[[Aadi (month)|Ādi]]''
| ''[[Asadha]]''
| [[Purva Ashadha|Pooradam]] or [[Uttara Ashadha|Uthiradam]]
| July&ndash;August
| 31&ndash;32
|-
| [[:ta:ஆவணி|ஆவணி]]
| ''[[Avani (month)|Āvaṇi]]''
| ''[[Shravana (month)|Shravana]]''
| [[Shravana|Thiruvonam]]
| August&ndash;September
| 31&ndash;32
|-
| [[:ta:புரட்டாசி|புரட்டாசி]]
| ''[[Purattasi|Puraṭṭāsi]]''
| ''[[Bhadrapada]]''
| [[Purva Bhadrapada|Pooratathi]] or [[Uttara Bhadrapada|Uthiratathi]]
| September&ndash;October
| 30&ndash;31
|-
| [[:ta:ஐப்பசி|ஐப்பசி]]
| ''[[Aipasi|Aippasi]]''
| ''[[Asvina]]''
| [[Ashvini]]
| October&ndash;November
| 29&ndash;30
|-
| [[:ta:கார்த்திகை (தமிழ் மாதம்)|கார்த்திகை]]
| ''[[Karthigai|Kārtikai]]''
| ''[[Kartika (month)|Kartika]]''
| [[Kṛttikā|Kartikai]]
| November&ndash;December
| 29&ndash;30
|-
| [[:ta:மார்கழி|மார்கழி]]
| ''[[Margazhi|Mārgaḻi]]''
| ''[[Margashirsha]]''
| [[Mrigashīrsha|Mirgashirsham]]
| December&ndash;January
| 29&ndash;30
|-
| [[:ta:தை|தை]]
| ''[[Thai (month)|Tai]]''
| ''[[Pausha]]''
| [[Pushya|Pusham]]
| January&ndash;February
| 29&ndash;30
|-
| [[:ta:மாசி|மாசி]]
| ''[[Masi (month)|Māsi]]''
| ''[[Magha (month)|Magha]]''
| [[Maghā|Magham]]
| February&ndash;March
| 29&ndash;30
|-
| [[:ta:பங்குனி|பங்குனி]]
| ''[[Panguni]]''
| ''[[Phalguna]]''
| [[Uttara Phalguni|Uttiram]]
| March&ndash;April
| 30&ndash;31
|}


Some of the celebrations for each month are listed below. Dates in parentheses are not exact and usually vary by a day or two. Underneath (or beside) the months of the Hindu calendar are their Gregorian counterparts.<ref>Kielhorn, Franz: Festal Days of the Hindu Lunar Calendar. The Indian Anti-quary XXVI, 177–187 (1897).</ref><ref>Underhill, Muriel M.: The Hindu Religious Year. Association Press, Kolkata, India (1921).</ref>
==Seasons==
A Tamil year is divided into six seasons, each of which lasts two months.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://tamilandvedas.com/2014/07/21/six-seasons-same-for-south-north-indians/ |title=Six Seasons: Same for South & North Indians |work=Tamil & Vedas |date=21 July 2014 |access-date=1 October 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.speakingtree.in/blog/tamil-calendar|title=Tamil Calendar – Seasons |work=SpeakingTree |access-date=1 October 2025}}</ref>


{| class="wikitable"
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:left;" style="font-size: 90%"
! Month
|-
! Approx Dates
! Season (in [[Tamil language|Tamil]])
! Notes
! English transliteration
! English translation
! [[Hindu calendar]]
! Common season
! Tamil month(s)
! [[Gregorian calendar|Gregorian month(s)]]
|-
| இளவேனில் || ''Ila-venil'' || Light warmth || ''[[Vasanta (season)|Vasanta]]'' || [[Spring (season)|Spring]] || ''Chittirai'', ''Vaikāsi''|| April&ndash;June
|-
|-
| சித்திரை – [[Chaitra|Chithirai]]
| முதுவேனில் || ''Mudhu-venil'' || Harsh warmth || ''[[Grishma]]'' || [[Summer]] || ''Āni'', ''Ādi''|| June&ndash;August
| 14 April – 13 May
| Star on the Pournami: Chithirai. Chitra Pournami & Varusha pirappu are the most important festivals in this month. Famous Chithirai Thiruvizha is celebrated in Madurai [[Meenakshi]] Amman temple. 14 April is the Tamil New Year.
|-
|-
| வைகாசி – [[Vaisakha|Vaikaasi]]
| கார் || ''Kār'' || Dark clouds || ''[[Varsha (season)|Varsha]]'' || [[Monsoon]] || ''Āvaṇi'', ''Puraṭṭāsi''|| August&ndash;October
| 14 May – 14 June
| Star on the Pournami: Visaagam. Vaikaasi Visaakam is the most important day in this month.This month is most favorable month of Lord Subramainya (Murga Kadavul). Thirumangalam[Madurai] Shri Pathrakali Mariamman Temple 13day Vaigasi Festival starts at Sunday followed by vaigasi ammavasai[new moon day].
|-
|-
| ஆனி – [[Jyeshtha|Aani]]
| குளிர் || ''Kulir'' || Cold || ''[[Sharada (season)|Sharda]]'' || [[Autumn]] || ''Aippasi'', ''Kārtikai''|| October&ndash;December
| 15 June – 15 July
| Star on the Pournami: Anusham. Aani Thirumanjanam or Aani Uttaram for Lord Nataraja is the most famous day in this month.
|-
|-
| ஆடி – [[Aashaadha|Aadi]]
| முன்பனி || ''Mun-pani'' || Early mist || ''[[Hemanta (season)|Hemanta]]'' || [[Winter]] || ''Mārgaḻi'', ''Thai''|| December&ndash;February
| 16 July – 16 August
| Star on the Pournami: Pooraadam (or) Uthiraadam. A most important month for women. The most auspicious days are Fridays and Tuesdays in this month, these are called Aadi Velli and Aadi Chevvai and the Aadi [[Amavasya]]. Aadi [[Pooram]] is also a special day.18th day of adi is the most important day for the farmers (delta region) they prepare paddy seedlings.during this month "kanchi varthal" is famous in amman temples
|-
|-
| ஆவணி – [[Shraavana|Aavani]]
| பின்பனி || ''Pin-pani'' || Late mist || ''[[Shishira]]'' || [[Vernal (season)|Pre-vernal]] || ''Māsi'', ''Panguni''|| February&ndash;April
| 17 August – 16 September
| Star on the Pournami: Thiruvonam. An important month with many rituals. [[Brahmin]]s change their sacred thread on [[Shraavana|Aavani]] Avittam. Each Sunday of the month is dedicated to prayers – Aavani Gnayiru.[[vinayaka chaturthi]] ,the festival of lord ganesha is held in this month
|-
|-
| புரட்டாசி – [[Bhaadrapada|Purattaasi]]
|}
| 17 September – 16 October
 
| Star on the Pournami: Poorattathi (or) Uthirattathi. An important month for [[Iyengar|Vaishnavas]]. Purattaasi Sani(Saturday) is an auspicious day for Lord [[Vishnu]]. Navarathri & Vijayadhashami or Ayuda Pooja is celebrated to invoke Goddess Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswathi.
==Days of a week==
The days of week (Kiḻamai) in the Tamil calendar relate to the celestial bodies in the [[Solar System]]: [[Sun]], [[Moon]], [[Mars]], [[Mercury (planet)|Mercury]], [[Jupiter]], [[Venus]], and [[Saturn]], in that order. A week usually starts with Sunday, and ends in a Saturday.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.timeanddate.com/calendar/tamil-calendar.html|title=Tamil Calendar – Days of the Week |work=Time and Date |access-date=1 October 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.tamilandvedas.com/2023/04/23/who-named-the-days-of-the-week-post-no-11998/|title=Who Named the Days of the Week? |work=Tamil and Vedas |date=23 April 2023 |access-date=1 October 2025}}</ref>
 
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:left;" style="font-size: 90%"
! Day (in [[Tamil language|Tamil]])
! English transliteration
! [[Shaka Calendar]]
! [[Navagraha|Deity]]
! [[Celestial body]]
! [[Gregorian Calendar]]
|-
|-
| ஐப்பசி – [[Aashvina|Aippasi]]
| ஞாயிற்றுக்கிழமை
| 17 October – 15 November
| ''Nyayitru-kiḻamai''
| Star on the Pournami: Ashwini. The [[monsoon]]s typically start over Tamil Nadu in this month. Hence the saying, "Aippasi Mazhai, adai mazhai" – meaning "Aippasi rains are persistent rains".
| ''Ravivāra''
Also Annaabishekam for Lord Shiva is very famous in this month. The most famous Hindu festival "Deepavali" is celebrated in this month. The Fridays of this month – Aipassi velli – are dedicated to religious observance.
| [[Surya]]
| [[Sun]]
| [[Sunday]]
|-
|-
| கார்த்திகை – [[Kaartika|Karthikai]]
| திங்கட்கிழமை
| 16 November – 15 December
| ''Tingat-kiḻamai''
| Star on the Pournami: Karthikai. Another auspicious celebration for [[Shiva]] devotees is ''Thirukaarthigai''. The [[Krittikā|Krithikaa]] [[Full moon|Pournami]] is the special day of the full moon in the month of Kaarthikai, and the star is [[Krittikā|Krithikaa]].
| ''Somavāra''
Each Monday of this month is dedicated to the worship of [[Lord Shiva]]. Every Monday is called "Somavaaram" when 108 or 1008 sangabhishekam are offered to Lord Shiva and Lord Muruga.
| [[Chandra]]  
| [[Moon]]
| [[Monday]]
|-
|-
| மார்கழி – [[Maargashiirsha|Maargazhi]]
| செவ்வாய்க்கிழமை
| 16 December – 13 January
| ''Chevvai-kiḻamai''
| Star on the Pournami: [[Mrigashīrsha|Mrigasheersham]]. This is another special month in the Tamil Calendar. Temples open earlier in the mornings and Devotees throng the temples early for [[puja (Hinduism)|puja]] and [[prasadam]] – the offering made to the deity which is later distributed to the devotees. [[Ardra (goddess)|Arudra]] Darisanam (Thiruvaadirai star in [[Tamil language|Tamil]]) is the most auspicious day in this month. The offering made to Lord [[Shiva|Siva]] is the Thiruvaadirai Kali – a sweet boiled pudding. Mukkodi Ekathesi is called "Paramapadha vaasal Thirappu" for Lord Vishnu. The Tiruvembaavai and Thirupaavai fast takes place in this month.
| ''Mangalavāra''
| [[Mangala]]  
| [[Mars]]
| [[Tuesday]]
|-
|-
| தை – [[Pausha|Thai]]
| புதன்கிழமை
| 14 January – 12 February
| ''Budhan-kiḻamai''
| Star on the Pournami: Poosam. [[Pongal (festival)|Pongal]], which is the [[Tamil people|Tamil]] harvest festival, is celebrated on the first day of this month. [[Thaipusam]] is also a special day for [[Kartikeya|Murugan]] devotees, who carry Kavadi to one of the Aarupadaiveedu (Literally meaning "six abodes").
| ''Budhavāra''
| [[Budha]]  
| [[Mercury (planet)|Mercury]]
| [[Wednesday]]
|-
|-
| மாசி – [[Maagha|Maasi]]
| வியாழக்கிழமை
| 13 February – 13 March
| ''Vyaḻa-kiḻamai''
| Star on the Pournami: Magam. Maasi [[Maagha|Magam]] is the special day of which comes in this Month. [[Shivaratri]] is an important festival widely celebrated by [[Hindus]] in this month.
| ''Guruvāra''
| [[Brihaspati]]  
| [[Jupiter]]
| [[Thursday]]
|-
|-
| பங்குனி – [[Phaalguna|Panguni]]
| வெள்ளிக்கிழமை
| 14 March – 13 April
| ''Velli-kiḻamai''
| Star on the Pournami: Uththiram. Panguni Uthiram, the last month of the year, is a famous festival and special to [[Kartikeya|Murugan]] and Siva devotees.
| ''Śukravāra''
| [[Shukra]]  
| [[Venus]]
| [[Friday]]
|-
|-
| சனிக்கிழமை
| ''Sani-kiḻamai''
| ''Śanivāra''
| [[Shani]]
| [[Saturn]]
| [[Saturday]]
|}
|}


==Significance==
The various days and months of the Tamil Calendar are of specific significance to [[Tamil Hindus]]. The ''[[Vākyapañcāṅga|Vakiya Panchangam]]'' is employed for calculation of sacred days, while the ''[[Tirugaṇita-pañcāṅgam|Tirugaṇita Panchangam]]'' is employed for [[Hindu astrology|astrological]] calculations.<ref>{{cite journal|url=https://www.hss.ruh.ac.lk/JFHSS/Vol9Iss2/Volume%209%20Issue%202_Paper%202.pdf|title=Hindu Almanacs: Sentential and Mathematical in Sri Lanka|journal=Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences|date=December 2020|volume=9|issue=2|access-date=1 October 2025}}</ref>
The months and their significant events and festivals are listed below.<ref name="Kielhorn"/><ref>{{cite book|author=Underhill, Muriel M.|title=The Hindu Religious Year|publisher=Association Press|location=[[Kolkata]]|year=1921}}</ref>


==Significance==
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:left;" style="font-size: 90%"
*The Hindus developed a system of calendrics that encapsulates vast periods of time.<ref>Wijk, Walther E. van: On Hindu Chronology, parts I–V. Acta Orientalia (1922–1927).</ref> For computing the age of the earth and various geological and other epochs, as well as the age of mankind, they still employ a Tamil calendar derived from ancient astronomical data, known as the ''Tirukkanida Panchanga''<ref>H.P. Blavatsky, 'The Secret Doctrine: The Synthesis of Science, Religion and Philosophy' Book 2: pp. 49–51, Theosophical University Press, 1888</ref>
*The 10th Tamil month, called ''Thai'', falls in mid-January each year. It is celebrated with much enthusiasm within the Tamil Community all over the world. Thai is marked by gifts of new clothing for family members and prayers to God for prosperity in the coming year. ''Thai'' and the fifth month ''Aavani'' are considered very auspicious for marriage and most marriages occur during these months.
*The fourth month ''Aadi'' is a busy month for most people including priests as there will be major temple festivities throughout the month, so most weddings do not often fall in this month. ''Aadi'' is the month of preparation for the next crop cycle by farmers. Therefore, farming communities avoid major events like weddings in this month. Those members of the Tamil community who don't actively contribute/participate in farming take advantage by having important functions like wedding in this month. For example, the business community prefers this month for weddings. ''Aadi'' is usually the worst month for business, although when businesses recently initiated Aadi discounts, this situation has changed significantly. Each Friday of this month is set aside for prayer and worship.
*''Aadi'' is portrayed as an inauspicious month for union of newlyweds because conceiving in this month might often result in child delivery around April–May, the hottest months in Tamil Nadu (''Agni natchathiram'' – ['pinezhu'] the last 7 days of ''Chithirai'' and ['munezhu'] the first 7 days of ''Vaigasi''). 'Aadi' is also the windiest month in Tamil Nadu, and hence the phrase 'Aadi kaatru ammiyai nagatrum' (literally, 'the strong winds in the month of Aadi can even move a stone grinder')
*''Purattaasi'' is when most of the non-vegetarian Tamil people fast from meat for a month. Each Saturday of this month is set apart to venerate the planet Saturn.
*''Deepavali'', is celebrated on the new moon day, in the seventh month ''Aipasi''. The month of ''Aipasi'' is usually characterised by the North-East Monsoon in Tamil Nadu, which has given birth to a phrase, ''Aipasi adai mazhai'' meaning the "Non-stop downpour".
*''Maargazhi'' falls in winter in Tamil Nadu, and is an auspicious month. The month is considered sacred. During the holy month of Maargazhi, houses are decorated with colorful and elaborate kolams. These are drawn on the threshold to welcome guests and divine beings to bless their houses with prosperity and happiness. The [[Shaivite]] fast of ''Thiru-vembaavai'' and the Vaishnava fast of ''Thiru-paavai'' are also observed in this month.
*The total number of days in a Tamil Calendar is an average 365 days. The ''Vakiya Panchangam'' is employed for both sacred and civil calculations. The ''Trikanitha Panchangam'' is employed for [[Hindu astrology|astrological]] calculations.


==Festivals==
! Month
The Tamil Calendar is important in the life of Tamil-speaking people and most Festivals of [[Tamil Nadu]] are based on it. Some Festivals include
! Events/festivals
* [[Tamil New Year]] (also called ''[[Puthandu]]'') in mid-April,  
|-
* [[Thai Pongal]],  
| [[Chithirai|Chittirai]]
* [[Deepavali]],  
| [[Chitra Pournami (festival)|Chitra Pournami]], [[Meenakshi Tirukalyanam]], [[Puthandu]]
* Panguni Uthiram,  
|-
* Thirukaarthigai,  
| [[Vaikasi|Vaikāsi]]
* Aadiperukku,  
| [[Vaikasi Visakam]]
* [[Navaratri]]
|-
One day was even dedicated to a celebration of the Tamil alphabet and was called "ezhuthu naal'.
| [[Aani (month)|Aani]]
| Aani Thirumanjanam, [[Mangani Festival|Mangani]]
|-
| [[Aadi (month)|Āadi]]
| Chevvai (Tuesdays) and Velli (Fridays) dedicated to [[Mariamman]]; [[Amavasya|Aadi Amavasai]], [[Aadi Perukku]], [[Pooram]]
|-
| [[Avani (month)|Āvaṇi]]
| [[Avani Avittam]], [[Gokulashtami]], [[Ganesh Chaturthi|Vinayakar Chaturti]]
|-
| [[Purattasi|Puratāsi]]
| Shani (Saturdays) dedicated to [[Vishnu]]; [[Navarathri]]
|-
| [[Aipasi|Aippasi]]
| [[Deepavali]]
|-
| [[Karthigai|Kārtikai]]
| Thingal (Mondays) dedicated to [[Shiva]]; [[Karthigai Deepam]], [[Kartika Purnima|Karthigai Pournami]]
|-
| [[Margazhi|Margaḻi]]
| [[Hanuman Jayanti]], [[Thiruvathirai]], [[Vaikuntha Ekadasi]]<ref>{{Cite book |last=Achuthananda |first=Swami |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=F9FqDwAAQBAJ&dq=Margali+vishnu&pg=PA107 |title=The Ascent of Vishnu and the Fall of Brahma |date=2018-08-27 |publisher=Relianz Communications Pty Ltd |isbn=978-0-9757883-3-2 |page=107}}</ref>
|-
| [[Thai (month)|Thai]]
| [[Pongal (festival)|Pongal]], [[Thaipusam]]
|-
| [[Masi (month)|Māsi]]
| [[Maha Shivaratri]], [[Mahamaham|Masi Maham]], [[Poochoriyal]]
|-
| [[Panguni]]
| [[Panguni Uthiram]], [[Rama Navami]]
|-
|}


==See also==
==See also==
Line 574: Line 573:
* [[Malayalam calendar]]
* [[Malayalam calendar]]
* [[Pambu Panchangam]]
* [[Pambu Panchangam]]
* [[Puthandu]]
* [[Samvatsara]]
* [[Sexagenary cycle]]


==References==
==References==
 
{{reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==
* [http://tamilcalendarz.com/ Full Tamil Calendar with Panchangam Information]
* [http://tamil.indiancalendars.org/ Tamil Calendar with Panchangam Information]
* [http://www.probharat.com/indian-calendars/tamil-calendar.php] @ Tamil Calendar for all past and future years (தமிழ் நாள்காட்டி)
* [http://tamil.panchangam.org/ Tamil Calendar with Daily Panchangam]
* [http://tamil.panchangam.org/ Tamil Calendar with Daily Panchangam]
* [https://dheivegam.com/tamil-calendar/ Tamil Calendar for each year]
* [https://dheivegam.com/tamil-calendar/ Tamil Calendar for each year]
* [https://www.astroved.com/articles/tamil-calendar Tamil Calendar for each year]


{{Calendars}}
{{Calendars}}
{{Hindu calendar}}
{{Tamil calendar|state=expanded}}


[[Category:Hindu calendar]]
[[Category:Hindu calendar]]
[[Category:Solar calendars]]
[[Category:Tamil culture]]
[[Category:Tamil culture]]
[[Category:Time in India]]
[[Category:Time in India]]

Latest revision as of 01:33, 14 February 2026


Months of the Tamil calendar

The Tamil calendar is a sidereal solar calendar used by the Tamil people.[1][2] It is used in the Indian subcontinent, and other countries with significant Tamil population like Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, Myanmar and Mauritius. It is used in contemporary times for cultural, religious and agricultural events, with the Gregorian calendar largely used for official purposes.[3]

History[edit | edit source]

There are several references to the calendar in early Tamil literature. Nakkeerar, the Sangam period author of the Neṭunalvāṭai, wrote in the third century CE that the Sun travels each year from Mesha/Chittirai in mid-April through 11 successive signs of the zodiac.[4] The same is referenced to by Kūdalūr Kiḻar in Puṟanāṉūṟu.[5][6] Tolkappiyam, the oldest surviving Tamil grammar text, divides the year into six seasons and Chittirai marks the start of the "ilavenil" (summer) season.[7] The fifth century CE treatise of Cilappatikaram mentions the 12 rāśis (zodiac signs) that correspond to the Tamil months.[8] The sixth century epic Manimekalai alludes to this to the Hindu solar calendar.[9]

Inscriptional evidences from Pagan in Myanmar from the 11th century CE and in Sukhothai in Thailand from the 14th century CE point to South Indian courtiers being tasked with defining the traditional calendar that followed a similar cycle.[10][11]

Description[edit | edit source]

The Tamil calendar is based on the Hindu system of calendrics that was used to calculate date and time.[12] The Tirukkanida Panchanga derived from astronomical data is used as a basis for the same.[13] The calendar is similar to traditional calendars followed in other parts of the Indian subcontinent, and Southeast Asia.[14]

The Tamil calendar follows a 60-year cycle similar to the other traditional calendars of India.[15] The Tamil New Year follows the Nirayana system, and usually falls on 13 or 14 April in the Gregorian year.[16] The new year starts on the date arrived by adding the days corresponding to the 23 degrees of trepidation (oscillation) to the vernal equinox, when the Sun begins its transition as per the Hindu sidereal calendar.[17][page needed] A Tamil calendar year might consist of 365 or 366 days in a year.[18]

Sixty-year cycle[edit | edit source]

Further information: Samvatsara

The 60-year cycle is common to Hindu traditional calendars, with similar names and sequence of years. The earliest reference of the same is in Surya Siddhanta, dated between 4th and 9th century CE. There are parallels to the sexagenary cycle used in the Chinese calendar,[19][20][21] though which influenced the other has been subject to debate.[22]

After the completion of a cycle of sixty years, the calendar re-starts with the first year of a new cycle.[23] As per the Hindu Panchangam, it represents the year in which Shani Saturn (which takes 30 years to complete one cycle round the Sun) and Vyalan (Jupiter) (which takes 12 years to complete one cycle round the Sun) come to a same position after 60 years.[24][25]

The following list presents the current 60-year cycle of the Tamil calendar:[26]

No. Name Transliteration Gregorian Year No. Name Transliteration Gregorian Year
01. பிரபவ Prabhāva 1987–1988 31. ஹேவிளம்பி Hēvilaṃbi 2017–2018
02. விபவ Vibhāva 1988–1989 32. விளம்பி Vilaṃbi 2018–2019
03. சுக்ல Śuklā 1989–1990 33. விகாரி Vikāri 2019–2020
04. பிரமோதூத Pramadutā 1990–1991 34. சார்வரி Śarvarī 2020–2021
05. பிரசோற்பத்தி Prachopati 1991–1992 35. பிலவ Plava 2021–2022
06. ஆங்கீரச Āṅgirasa 1992–1993 36. சுபகிருது Śubhakṛt 2022–2023
07. ஸ்ரீமுக Śrīmukha 1993–1994 37. சோபக்ருத் Śobhakṛt 2023–2024
08. பவ Bhava 1994–1995 38. க்ரோதி Krodhī 2024–2025
09. யுவ Yuva 1995–1996 39. விசுவாசுவ Viśvāvasuva 2025–2026
10. தாது Dhātu 1996–1997 40. பரபாவ Parapāva 2026–2027
11. ஈஸ்வர Īśvara 1997–1998 41. ப்லவங்க Plavaṅga 2027–2028
12. வெகுதானிய Vehudānya 1998–1999 42. கீலக Kīlaka 2028–2029
13. பிரமாதி Pramāti 1999–2000 43. சௌம்ய Saumya 2029–2030
14. விக்ரம Vikrama 2000–2001 44. சாதாரண Sādhāraṇa 2030–2031
15. விஷு Viṣu 2001–2002 45. விரோதகிருது Virodhikṛti 2031–2032
16. சித்திரபானு Citrabhānu 2002–2003 46. பரிதாபி Paritapi 2032–2033
17. சுபானு Subhānu 2003–2004 47. பிரமாதீச Pramādīca 2033–2034
18. தாரண Dhārana 2004–2005 48. ஆனந்த Ānanda 2034–2035
19. பார்த்திப Partibhā 2005–2006 49. ராட்சச Rākṣasaḥ 2035–2036
20. விய Viya 2006–2007 50. நள Nala 2036–2037
21. சர்வஜித் Sarvajit 2007–2008 51. பிங்கள Piṅgāla 2037–2038
22. சர்வதாரி Sarvadhārī 2008–2009 52. காளயுக்தி Kālayukti 2038–2039
23. விரோதி Virodhī 2009–2010 53. சித்தார்த்தி Siddhidātrī 2039–2040
24. விக்ருதி Vikṛti 2010–2011 54. ரௌத்திரி Rautrī 2040–2041
25. கர Kara 2011–2012 55. துன்மதி Dhūnmatī 2041–2042
26. நந்தன Nandhana 2012–2013 56. துந்துபி Dundubhi 2042–2043
27. விஜய Vijaya 2013–2014 57. ருத்ரோத்காரி Rudhirōtgāri 2043–2044
28. ஜய Jaya 2014–2015 58. ரக்தாட்சி Rākṣasī 2044–2045
29. மன்மத Manmatha 2015–2016 59. க்ரோதன Krodhanā 2045–2046
30. துன்முகி Dhuṇmūkī 2016–2017 60. அட்சய Akṣayā 2046–2047

Months[edit | edit source]

There are twelve months in the Tamil calendar, with 29 to 32 days per month.[27] Tamil months start and end based on the Sun's shift from one rasi to the other, and the names of the months are based on the nakshatra (star) that coincides with the start of the pournami (full moon) in that month.[28] The Tamil calendar month starts a few days after the corresponding Hindu calendar month as the Tamil calendar is a solar calendar, while the other is a lunisolar calendar.[29]

Month (in Tamil) English transliteration Hindu Lunar calendar Nakshatra Gregorian calendar Days
சித்திரை Chittirai Chaitra Chittirai April–May 30–31
வைகாசி Vaikāsi Vaisakha Visakam May–June 31–32
ஆனி Āni Jyestha Anusham June–July 31–32
ஆடி Ādi Asadha Pooradam or Uthiradam July–August 31–32
ஆவணி Āvaṇi Shravana Thiruvonam August–September 31–32
புரட்டாசி Puraṭṭāsi Bhadrapada Pooratathi or Uthiratathi September–October 30–31
ஐப்பசி Aippasi Asvina Ashvini October–November 29–30
கார்த்திகை Kārtikai Kartika Kartikai November–December 29–30
மார்கழி Mārgaḻi Margashirsha Mirgashirsham December–January 29–30
தை Tai Pausha Pusham January–February 29–30
மாசி Māsi Magha Magham February–March 29–30
பங்குனி Panguni Phalguna Uttiram March–April 30–31

Seasons[edit | edit source]

A Tamil year is divided into six seasons, each of which lasts two months.[30][31]

Season (in Tamil) English transliteration English translation Hindu calendar Common season Tamil month(s) Gregorian month(s)
இளவேனில் Ila-venil Light warmth Vasanta Spring Chittirai, Vaikāsi April–June
முதுவேனில் Mudhu-venil Harsh warmth Grishma Summer Āni, Ādi June–August
கார் Kār Dark clouds Varsha Monsoon Āvaṇi, Puraṭṭāsi August–October
குளிர் Kulir Cold Sharda Autumn Aippasi, Kārtikai October–December
முன்பனி Mun-pani Early mist Hemanta Winter Mārgaḻi, Thai December–February
பின்பனி Pin-pani Late mist Shishira Pre-vernal Māsi, Panguni February–April

Days of a week[edit | edit source]

The days of week (Kiḻamai) in the Tamil calendar relate to the celestial bodies in the Solar System: Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, and Saturn, in that order. A week usually starts with Sunday, and ends in a Saturday.[32][33]

Day (in Tamil) English transliteration Shaka Calendar Deity Celestial body Gregorian Calendar
ஞாயிற்றுக்கிழமை Nyayitru-kiḻamai Ravivāra Surya Sun Sunday
திங்கட்கிழமை Tingat-kiḻamai Somavāra Chandra Moon Monday
செவ்வாய்க்கிழமை Chevvai-kiḻamai Mangalavāra Mangala Mars Tuesday
புதன்கிழமை Budhan-kiḻamai Budhavāra Budha Mercury Wednesday
வியாழக்கிழமை Vyaḻa-kiḻamai Guruvāra Brihaspati Jupiter Thursday
வெள்ளிக்கிழமை Velli-kiḻamai Śukravāra Shukra Venus Friday
சனிக்கிழமை Sani-kiḻamai Śanivāra Shani Saturn Saturday

Significance[edit | edit source]

The various days and months of the Tamil Calendar are of specific significance to Tamil Hindus. The Vakiya Panchangam is employed for calculation of sacred days, while the Tirugaṇita Panchangam is employed for astrological calculations.[34]

The months and their significant events and festivals are listed below.[29][35]

Month Events/festivals
Chittirai Chitra Pournami, Meenakshi Tirukalyanam, Puthandu
Vaikāsi Vaikasi Visakam
Aani Aani Thirumanjanam, Mangani
Āadi Chevvai (Tuesdays) and Velli (Fridays) dedicated to Mariamman; Aadi Amavasai, Aadi Perukku, Pooram
Āvaṇi Avani Avittam, Gokulashtami, Vinayakar Chaturti
Puratāsi Shani (Saturdays) dedicated to Vishnu; Navarathri
Aippasi Deepavali
Kārtikai Thingal (Mondays) dedicated to Shiva; Karthigai Deepam, Karthigai Pournami
Margaḻi Hanuman Jayanti, Thiruvathirai, Vaikuntha Ekadasi[36]
Thai Pongal, Thaipusam
Māsi Maha Shivaratri, Masi Maham, Poochoriyal
Panguni Panguni Uthiram, Rama Navami

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ S.K. Chatterjee, Indian Calendric System, Publications Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, 1998
  2. ↑ Sewell, Robert and Dikshit, Sankara B.: The Indian Calendar – with tables for the conversion of Hindu and Muhammadan into a.d. dates, and vice versa. Motilal Banarsidass Publ., Delhi, India (1995). Originally published in 1896
  3. ↑ Indian Epigraphy, D.C. Sircar, TamilNet, Tamil New Year, 13 April 2008
  4. ↑ JV Chelliah (1985). "Neṭunalvāṭai (lines 160 to 162)". Pattupattu: Ten Tamil Idylls. Tamil Verses with English Translation. Thanjavur: Tamil University.
  5. ↑ "Poem 229". The Four Hundred Songs of War and Wisdom: An Anthology of Poems from Classical Tamil, The Purananuru. Columbia University Press. 13 August 2013.
  6. ↑ Vaiyapuri Pillai (1956). History of Tamil Language and Literature. Chennai. pp. 35, 151.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  7. ↑ R.P.C Pavanantam Pillai, ed. (1917). Tolkappiyam Porulatikaram, Peraciriyam. Longmans, Creen and Co.
  8. ↑ R. Parthasarathy. The Tale of an Anklet: An Epic of South India: The Cilappatikāram of Iḷaṅko Aṭikaḷ. New York city: Columbia University Press. Canto 26. Canto 5 also describes the foremost festival in the Chola country – the Indra Vizha celebrated in Chitterai
  9. ↑ Lakshmi Holmstrom (1996). Silappadikaram, Manimekalai. Madras: Orient Longman.
  10. ↑ G.H. Luce. Old Burma – Early Pagan. Locust Valley, New York. p. 68.
  11. ↑ A.B. Griswold (1967). Towards a History of Sukhodaya Art. Bangkok. pp. 12–32.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  12. ↑ Wijk, Walther E. van (1922–1927). On Hindu Chronology, parts I–V. Acta Orientalia.
  13. ↑ H.P. Blavatsky (1888). The Secret Doctrine: The Synthesis of Science, Religion and Philosophy. Theosophical University Press. pp. 49–51.
  14. ↑ Underhill, Muriel M. (1921). The Hindu Religious Year. Kolkata: Association Press.
  15. ↑ "The Tamil Calendar – 60-Year Cycle". Time and Date. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  16. ↑ "Tamil Calendar". Speaking Tree. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  17. ↑ Dershowitz, Nachum and Reingold, Edward M. (2008). Calendrical Calculations (third ed.). Cambridge University Press.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  18. ↑ "South-Indian Chronological Tables (1889)" (PDF). Tamil Digital Library. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  19. ↑ Samuel Wells Williams (2005). The Middle Kingdom. New York city: Columbia University Press. pp. 69–70.
  20. ↑ Paul Kekai Manansala (2006). Quests of the Dragon and Bird Clan. p. 236.
  21. ↑ Terrien de Lacouperie (1894). Western Origin of the Early Chinese Civilization: From 2,300 BC to 20 AD. London: Asher and Co. p. 78.
  22. ↑ George Gheverghese Joseph (2011). Crest of the Peacock: Non-European Roots of Mathematics. Princeton University Press. pp. 304–305.
  23. ↑ "Indian Calendar Part 3 – The Panchangam". Anaadi Foundation. 17 July 2018. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  24. ↑ "Samvatsara – The Name of the Hindu Year". The Divine India. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  25. ↑ "Samvatsara". CulKey Foundation. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  26. ↑ Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami (1997). Vedic calendar: Kadavul Hindu Panchangam. Kapaa, Hawaii: Himalayan Academy. pp. 5–6, 10.
  27. ↑ "Tamil Months Calendar with names in Sanskrit, Malayalam & English". Hindu Devotional Blog. May 2009. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  28. ↑ "Cultural Chronicles in Calendar". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 1 October 2025. On the full moon day … the nakshatra (star) that is regarded–be ascendant … hence the month is named
  29. ↑ 29.0 29.1 Kielhorn, Franz (1897). "Festal Days of the Hindu Lunar Calendar". The Indian Antiquary. XXVI: 177–187.
  30. ↑ "Six Seasons: Same for South & North Indians". Tamil & Vedas. 21 July 2014. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  31. ↑ "Tamil Calendar – Seasons". SpeakingTree. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  32. ↑ "Tamil Calendar – Days of the Week". Time and Date. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  33. ↑ "Who Named the Days of the Week?". Tamil and Vedas. 23 April 2023. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  34. ↑ "Hindu Almanacs: Sentential and Mathematical in Sri Lanka" (PDF). Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences. 9 (2). December 2020. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  35. ↑ Underhill, Muriel M. (1921). The Hindu Religious Year. Kolkata: Association Press.
  36. ↑ Achuthananda, Swami (27 August 2018). The Ascent of Vishnu and the Fall of Brahma. Relianz Communications Pty Ltd. p. 107. ISBN 978-0-9757883-3-2.

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