Tamil Months and Tamil Calendar: Explained for Non-Tamils
Curious about the Tamil calendar? Learn the names of the Tamil months, their significance, festivals, and differences from the Gregorian calendar in this detailed guide.
Introduction
The Tamil calendar is a traditional solar calendar used by Tamils worldwide for cultural, religious, and agricultural activities. Unlike the Gregorian calendar, it begins in mid-April with the month of சித்திரை (Chithirai).
The 12 Tamil Months and Their Significance
1. சித்திரை (Chithirai)
Mid-April to Mid-May
- Significance: Tamil New Year (புத்தாண்டு), start of summer.
- Festivals: Chithirai Thiruvizha (Madurai temple festival).
2. வைகாசி (Vaikasi)
Mid-May to Mid-June
- Significance: Peak summer, temple rituals.
- Festivals: Vaikasi Visakam (Lord Murugan’s birthday).
3. ஆனி (Aani)
Mid-June to Mid-July
- Significance: Start of Dakshinayanam (sun’s southward journey).
- Festivals: Aani Thirumanjanam (Lord Nataraja’s abhishekam).
4. ஆடி (Aadi)
Mid-July to Mid-August
- Significance: Monsoon festivals, women-centric rituals.
- Festivals: Aadi Perukku (river worship), Aadi Pooram.
5. ஆவணி (Avani)
Mid-August to Mid-September
- Significance: Auspicious for weddings.
- Festivals: Avani Avittam (sacred thread ceremony).
6. புரட்டாசி (Purattasi)
Mid-September to Mid-October
- Significance: Dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
- Festivals: Purattasi Saturdays (fasting and prayers).
7. ஐப்பசி (Aippasi)
Mid-October to Mid-November
- Significance: Start of monsoon.
- Festivals: Deepavali (Diwali), Aippasi Pournami.
8. கார்த்திகை (Karthigai)
Mid-November to Mid-December
- Significance: Month of lamps and fire rituals.
- Festivals: Karthigai Deepam (festival of lights).
9. மார்கழி (Margazhi)
Mid-December to Mid-January
- Significance: Most spiritual month.
- Festivals: Margazhi Bhajans, Vaikunta Ekadasi.
10. தை (Thai)
Mid-January to Mid-February
- Significance: Harvest season, new beginnings.
- Festivals: Thai Pongal (harvest festival).
11. மாசி (Maasi)
Mid-February to Mid-March
- Significance: Spiritual cleansing.
- Festivals: Maasi Magam (holy dip), Maha Shivaratri.
12. பங்குனி (Panguni)
Mid-March to Mid-April
- Significance: End of the Tamil year.
- Festivals: Panguni Uthiram (celestial weddings).
Tamil Calendar vs Gregorian Calendar
| Tamil Month | Tamil Script | Gregorian Dates | Key Festivals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chithirai | சித்திரை | Mid-April to Mid-May | Tamil New Year |
| Vaikasi | வைகாசி | Mid-May to Mid-June | Vaikasi Visakam |
| Aani | ஆனி | Mid-June to Mid-July | Aani Thirumanjanam |
| Aadi | ஆடி | Mid-July to Mid-August | Aadi Perukku |
| Avani | ஆவணி | Mid-August to Mid-September | Avani Avittam |
| Purattasi | புரட்டாசி | Mid-September to Mid-October | Purattasi Saturdays |
| Aippasi | ஐப்பசி | Mid-October to Mid-November | Deepavali |
| Karthigai | கார்த்திகை | Mid-November to Mid-December | Karthigai Deepam |
| Margazhi | மார்கழி | Mid-December to Mid-January | Margazhi Bhajans |
| Thai | தை | Mid-January to Mid-February | Thai Pongal |
| Maasi | மாசி | Mid-February to Mid-March | Maha Shivaratri |
| Panguni | பங்குனி | Mid-March to Mid-April | Panguni Uthiram |
Why the Tamil Calendar Matters
- Spiritual Guide: Dictates temple rituals and fasting days.
- Agricultural Calendar: Farmers follow it for sowing/harvesting.
- Cultural Identity: Key for Tamils worldwide to stay rooted.
FAQs
When is Tamil New Year?
April 14th (start of சித்திரை month).
Which Tamil month is best for weddings?
ஆவணி (Avani) and தை (Thai) are considered auspicious.
How does the Tamil calendar differ from the Hindu calendar?
The Tamil calendar is solar-based, while the Hindu (Panchangam) calendar is lunisolar.
Conclusion
The Tamil calendar is more than dates—it’s a cultural compass connecting Tamils to their heritage through festivals like Pongal and spiritual months like Margazhi. Whether you’re learning Tamil or exploring South Indian traditions, this guide helps you decode the rhythm of Tamil life.
