Chithirai
1st month of the Tamil calendar
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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]
| 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 | |
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
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]
