The Tamil month list is based on the ancient Tamil calendar, which follows a system rooted in both solar and lunar movements. The Tamil calendar plays an essential role in Tamil culture, determining the timing of festivals, agricultural activities, and religious observances. Each Tamil month has its own significance and is associated with various celebrations, rituals, and auspicious occasions. These months are deeply woven into the fabric of daily life, influencing everything from festivals like Pongal to important life events such as marriages.
The Tamil months begin with Chithirai, marking the start of the Tamil New Year, and end with Panguni. In this list, you’ll find each month’s name along with the festivals and cultural practices that define it.
Tamil Month List
These months are used primarily in Tamil Nadu and among Tamil-speaking communities around the world. Let’s see
- Chithirai (சித்திரை)
- Vaikasi (வைகாசி)
- Aani (ஆனி)
- Aadi (ஆடி)
- Avani (ஆவணி)
- Purattasi (புரட்டாசி)
- Aippasi (ஐப்பசி)
- Karthikai (கார்த்திகை)
- Margazhi (மார்கழி)
- Thai (தை)
- Maasi (மாசி)
- Panguni (பங்குனி)
Tamil Month List
1. Chithirai (சித்திரை)
Chithirai is the first month of the Tamil calendar, typically falling between mid-April and mid-May. It marks the beginning of the Tamil New Year (Tamil Puthandu) and is celebrated with various cultural events and rituals. The Chithirai Thiruvizha, the grand festival in Madurai, is celebrated during this month, marking the divine wedding of Lord Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar.
2. Vaikasi (வைகாசி)
Vaikasi is the second month of the Tamil calendar, falling between mid-May and mid-June. It is associated with the Vaikasi Visakam, a festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Murugan. The month is a time of spiritual significance, with many temples hosting special prayers and ceremonies for Lord Murugan.
3. Aani (ஆனி)
Aani is the third month, occurring from mid-June to mid-July. It is known for the Aani Thirumanjanam, a special event held at the Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai, where Lord Sundareswarar is bathed with holy water. This month is considered auspicious for worshiping Lord Shiva.
4. Aadi (ஆடி)
Aadi is the fourth month and typically falls from mid-July to mid-August. It is a month of religious significance, especially for women. The Aadi Perukku festival, dedicated to the worship of rivers, is celebrated during this time. It is also the month of Aadi Amavasai, when people perform rituals to honor their ancestors.
5. Avani (ஆவணி)
Avani is the fifth month of the Tamil calendar, occurring between mid-August and mid-September. One of the most important festivals in this month is Avani Moolam, which is celebrated in many temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu, especially in the Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam.
6. Purattasi (புரட்டாசி)
Purattasi is the sixth month, usually falling between mid-September and mid-October. It is a month dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, particularly on Purattasi Saturday, when devotees fast and offer prayers. The month is also significant for the Navaratri festival, which celebrates the worship of Goddess Durga.
7. Aippasi (ஐப்பசி)
Aippasi is the seventh month, spanning from mid-October to mid-November. Aippasi month is known for the festival of Karthigai Deepam, a festival of lights dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is celebrated with the lighting of oil lamps, especially in temples, and is an important festival in Tamil Nadu.
8. Karthikai (கார்த்திகை)
Karthikai is the eighth month, which usually falls between mid-November and mid-December. The Karthigai Deepam festival continues into this month, and the Karthikai Deepam at Tiruvannamalai is one of the most significant events, where a huge fire is lit atop the mountain to honor Lord Shiva.
9. Margazhi (மார்கழி)
Margazhi is the ninth month of the Tamil calendar, occurring between mid-December and mid-January. It is an important month for Tamil Hindus, as it is a time for devotional activities. The Margazhi Thiruvizha is a month-long festival dedicated to Lord Vishnu, during which many temples hold special prayers, including the famous Nammazhwar Thiruvizha in the Tamil Nadu region.
10. Thai (தை)
Thai is the tenth month, usually falling between mid-January and mid-February. It is a month of harvest and is celebrated as Pongal, a four-day festival marking the harvest season. The first day of Thai is celebrated as Thai Pongal, a major festival of thanksgiving to the Sun God, nature, and farm animals.
11. Maasi (மாசி)
Maasi is the eleventh month, which occurs between mid-February and mid-March. It is a month dedicated to various religious activities, and the Maasi Makam festival, celebrating the worship of Lord Vishnu, is held in many temples during this month. This period is also seen as an auspicious time for marriage and other important ceremonies.
12. Panguni (பங்குனி)
Panguni is the twelfth and final month of the Tamil calendar, typically falling between mid-March and mid-April. The Panguni Uthiram festival, which celebrates the wedding of Lord Murugan and Deivayanai, is the most significant event during this month. It is also a time for new beginnings, as the Tamil New Year follows right after the conclusion of Panguni.
See this also : Arabic Month List
These months mark the rhythm of Tamil life and culture, from festivals to religious observances, with each month having its own significance and role in Tamil society.
FaQs
How are tamil months named?
Tamil months are named based on the star (Nakshatra) that appears on the full moon (pournami) at the beginning of the month. The months start and end according to the Sun’s movement through the zodiac signs (Rāsi), but the names are primarily derived from the star associated with the start of the full moon in that month.
What is the Tamil first month?
The first month in the Tamil calendar is Chithirai.
What is the Tamil word for months?
In Tamil, the word for month is Maasham. Another word for month in Tamil is Thingal.