Chithirai
| Chithirai | |
|---|---|
| Native name | Chittirai |
| Calendar | Tamil calendar |
| Month number | 1 |
| Number of days | 30 or 31 |
| Season | Ila-venil (Spring) |
| Gregorian equivalent | April–May |
| Significant days | |
Chithirai is the first month of the Tamil calendar.[1] The name of the month is derived from the position of the Moon near the Chittirai nakshatra (star) on the pournami (full moon) day.[2] The month corresponds to ila-venil (spring) season and falls in April–May in the Gregorian calendar.[3][4]
In the Hindu lunar calendar, it corresponds to the first month of Chaitra, falling in the Gregorian months of March–April.[4]
In the Hindu solar calendar, it corresponds to the first month of Mesha and begins with the Sun's entry into Aries.[5]
In the Vaishnav calendar, it corresponds to the first month of Visnu.[6][7]
Festivals
[edit]The first day of the month is celebrated as the Tamil New Year's Day, known as Puthandu by the Tamils.[8]
Chitra Pournami is observed on the Pournami (full moon day) of the month. It is dedicated to Chitragupta, the divine accountant for Yama.[9] People take a holy bath in rivers or temple tanks on this day to cleanse the sins of the past.[10] Other rituals include special pujas to Indra, offerings of rice, and Kavadi Attam dedicated to Murugan. [11]
See also
[edit]
References
[edit]- ↑ "Tamil Calendar – Months". Time and Date. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
- ↑ Garima Garg (2022). Heavens and Earth: The Story of Astrology Through Ages and Cultures. Penguin Random House. p. 75. ISBN 978-9-354-92705-8.
- ↑ Martha Ann Selby (2003). The Circle of Six Seasons. p. xxix. ISBN 978-0-141-00772-4.
- 1 2 Robert Sewell; John Faithful Fleet (1989). The Siddhantas and the Indian Calendar. Asian Educational Services. p. 334.
- ↑ "Hindu Panchang". Hindu Net. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
- ↑ "Vaisnava Calendar Reminder Services – About Calendar". Vaisnava Calendar. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
- ↑ "Something about the Vaisnava Calendar". ISVARA. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
- ↑ "Puthandu 2025: Know the date, history, significance, celebrations of Tamil New Year". The Indian Express. 13 April 2025. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
- ↑ "Chitra Pournami". South Indian Society. 18 Apr 2013. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
- ↑ "Why Is Chitra Pournami Celebrated?". Astro Ulagam. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
- ↑ "Chitra Pournami: Embracing Divine Blessings". Varnam Malaysia. 23 April 2024. Retrieved 1 October 2025.