Malayalam calendar - Definition

The Malayalam calendar is a Solar calendar.

It has twelve months:

1. Chingam
2. Kanni
3. Thulam
4. Vrischikam
5. Dhanu
6. Makaram
7. Kumbham
8. Meenam
9. Medam
10. Edavam
11. Midhunam
12. Karkidakam

The months are named after the constellations in which the Sun is seen during the period. Thus Chingom (from Simham or Lion) is named after the constellation Leo.

The Malayalam era called KollaVarsham (or Kollam era) was established in 825. A.D. Some historians attribute the founding of this era to King Udaya Marthanda Varma, King of Venad.

Interestingly parts of central Kerala consider Medam as the start of the year cycle. The Vishu festival signifies the start of the new year comes generally in middle of April.

External link

• A Sample Malayalam Calendar (http://www.gods-own-country.info/astro.htm)

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