Chithirai

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Chithirai
Native nameChittirai
CalendarTamil calendar
Month number1
Number of days30 or 31
SeasonIla-venil (Spring)
Gregorian equivalentApril–May
Significant days
← Panguni
Vaikasi →

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 last month of Mina and begins with the Sun's entry into Pisces.[5] In the Vaishnav calendar, it corresponds to the first month of Visnu.[6][7]

Festivals

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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

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References

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  1. ^ "Tamil Calendar – Months". Time and Date. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  2. ^ 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.
  3. ^ Martha Ann Selby (2003). The Circle of Six Seasons. p. xxix. ISBN 978-0-141-00772-4.
  4. ^ a b Robert Sewell; John Faithful Fleet (1989). The Siddhantas and the Indian Calendar. Asian Educational Services. p. 334.
  5. ^ "Hindu Panchang". Hindu Net. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  6. ^ "Vaisnava Calendar Reminder Services – About Calendar". Vaisnava Calendar. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  7. ^ "Something about the Vaisnava Calendar". ISVARA. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  8. ^ "Puthandu 2025: Know the date, history, significance, celebrations of Tamil New Year". The Indian Express. 13 April 2025. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
  9. ^ "Chitra Pournami". South Indian Society. 18 Apr 2013. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  10. ^ "Why Is Chitra Pournami Celebrated?". Astro Ulagam. Retrieved 1 October 2025.
  11. ^ "Chitra Pournami: Embracing Divine Blessings". Varnam Malaysia. 23 April 2024. Retrieved 1 October 2025.