Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jun 29, 2026

Chithirai

Chithirai is the first month of the Tamil calendar. The name of the month is derived from the position of the Moon near the Chittirai nakshatra (star) on the pournami day. The month corresponds to ila-venil (spring) season and falls in April–May in the Gregorian calendar.

Last revised
Jun 29, 2026
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Chithirai
Native nameChittirai
CalendarTamil calendar
Month number1
Number of days30 or 31
SeasonIla-venil (Spring)
Gregorian equivalentApril–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.34

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.67

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

See also

See also

References

References

  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. 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.