The Tamil Calendar: A Guide to Months, Holidays, and Festivals
Introduction
The Tamil calendar is a lunisolar calendar used by the Tamil people of India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Singapore. It is based on the movement of the sun and moon, and consists of 12 months of 29 or 30 days each. The Tamil year begins on the day of the vernal equinox, which usually falls in mid-April.
Months of the Tamil Calendar
The Tamil calendar has 12 months, each of which is named after a constellation. The months are as follows: *
- Chithirai (April-May)
* - Vaikasi (May-June)
* - Aani (June-July)
* - Adi (July-August)
* - Avani (August-September)
* - Purattasi (September-October)
* - Aippasi (October-November)
* - Karthikai (November-December)
* - Margazhi (December-January)
* - Thai (January-February)
* - Masi (February-March)
* - Panguni (March-April)
Holidays and Festivals
The Tamil calendar is full of holidays and festivals. Some of the most important holidays include: *
- Pongal (January-February)
* - Diwali (October-November)
* - Tamil New Year (April)
* - Thaipusam (January-February)
* - Maasi Magam (February-March)
Conclusion
The Tamil calendar is a rich and complex system that is used to mark the passage of time and celebrate important events in the Tamil culture. By understanding the different months, holidays, and festivals of the Tamil calendar, you can gain a deeper appreciation for the Tamil people and their traditions.
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