Tamil Calendar 2024
As we approach the year 2024, it is important to understand the significance of the Tamil Calendar in South India. Being a Tamilian myself, I have always been fascinated by the rich culture and tradition of my community. In this article, I will share my personal experience and delve deeper into the Tamil Calendar 2024 and its related keywords.
What is the Tamil Calendar?
The Tamil Calendar, also known as the Tamil Panchangam, is a traditional calendar followed by the Tamil community in South India and Sri Lanka. It is a lunisolar calendar that is based on the cycles of the moon and the sun. The Tamil Calendar consists of twelve months, each with 29 to 32 days. The calendar is a vital part of the Tamil culture and is used to determine auspicious times for various events and festivals.
Events and Festivals in Tamil Calendar 2024
The Tamil Calendar 2024 is filled with numerous events and festivals that are celebrated with great pomp and show. Some of the major festivals and events are:
- Pongal
- Tamil New Year
- Thaipusam
- Tiruvalluvar Day
- Chithirai Festival
- Adiperukku
- Aadi Perukku
- Varalakshmi Vratam
- Avani Avittam
- Onam
- Navaratri
- Deepavali
Pongal
Pongal is a four-day harvest festival that is celebrated in the month of Thai. It is one of the most significant festivals in Tamil Nadu and is dedicated to the Sun God. The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and involves the preparation of sweet rice, known as Pongal, which is offered to the Sun God.
Tamil New Year
The Tamil New Year, also known as Puthandu, is celebrated on the first day of the Tamil month of Chithirai. It marks the beginning of the new year according to the Tamil Calendar. The festival is celebrated with the traditional ritual of Kanni, where people view auspicious items such as gold, silver, and fruits, as the first thing in the morning.
Thaipusam
Thaipusam is a Hindu festival that is celebrated in the month of Thai. It is dedicated to Lord Murugan, the son of Lord Shiva and Parvati. The festival is celebrated with great devotion and involves the piercing of the skin, known as Kavadi, as a form of penance.
Tiruvalluvar Day
Tiruvalluvar Day is celebrated on the 15th of January to commemorate the birth anniversary of the famous Tamil poet and philosopher, Tiruvalluvar. The day is celebrated with the recitation of his famous work, Thirukkural, which consists of 1330 couplets.
Chithirai Festival
The Chithirai Festival is celebrated in the month of Chithirai and marks the marriage of Lord Sundareswarar and Goddess Meenakshi. The festival is celebrated with great pomp and show and involves a grand procession of the deities.
Adiperukku
Adiperukku is celebrated on the 18th day of the Tamil month of Adi, which usually falls in the month of July or August. The festival is dedicated to the rivers of Tamil Nadu and is celebrated to express gratitude for the life-giving water that they provide. People offer prayers to the rivers and take a dip in them.
Aadi Perukku
Aadi Perukku is celebrated on the 18th day of the Tamil month of Aadi, which usually falls in the month of July or August. The festival is celebrated to welcome the monsoon season and is dedicated to the Goddess of wealth, Laxmi. People offer prayers to the Goddess and prepare special dishes.
Varalakshmi Vratam
Varalakshmi Vratam is a Hindu festival that is celebrated in the month of Sravana. It is dedicated to the Goddess of wealth, Laxmi, and is celebrated to seek her blessings. Women fast on this day and offer prayers to the Goddess.
Avani Avittam
Avani Avittam is a Tamil Brahmin festival that is celebrated in the month of Avani. It is celebrated to mark the changing of the sacred thread worn by Brahmin men. The festival involves the recitation of the Gayatri Mantra and other Vedic hymns.
Onam
Onam is a harvest festival that is celebrated in Kerala and some parts of Tamil Nadu. It is celebrated in the month of Chingam and marks the homecoming of the mythical king, Mahabali. The festival is celebrated with the preparation of a grand feast, known as Onasadya, and the decoration of the house with colorful flowers.
Navaratri
Navaratri is a Hindu festival that is celebrated in the month of Ashwin. It is dedicated to the nine forms of the Goddess Durga and is celebrated with great devotion. The festival involves the recitation of the Durga Saptashati and the performance of Garba and Dandiya dances.
Deepavali
Deepavali, also known as Diwali, is a festival of lights that is celebrated in India and some parts of South Asia. It is celebrated in the month of Kartik and marks the victory of good over evil. The festival is celebrated with the lighting of diyas and the bursting of firecrackers.
Question and Answer
Q: What is the significance of the Tamil Calendar?
A: The Tamil Calendar is significant as it is used to determine auspicious times for various events and festivals. It is a vital part of the Tamil culture and tradition.
Q: How is the Tamil Calendar different from the Gregorian Calendar?
A: The Tamil Calendar is a lunisolar calendar that is based on the cycles of the moon and the sun. It consists of twelve months, each with 29 to 32 days. The Gregorian Calendar, on the other hand, is a solar calendar that is based on the earth’s revolution around the sun. It consists of twelve months, each with 28 to 31 days.
Q: What are some of the major festivals celebrated in Tamil Nadu?
A: Some of the major festivals celebrated in Tamil Nadu are Pongal, Tamil New Year, Thaipusam, Chithirai Festival, Adiperukku, Aadi Perukku, Varalakshmi Vratam, Avani Avittam, Navaratri, and Deepavali.
FAQs
Q: When is Pongal celebrated in 2024?
A: Pongal is celebrated from 14th January to 17th January in 2024.
Q: When is Tamil New Year celebrated in 2024?
A: Tamil New Year is celebrated on 14th April in 2024.
Q: When is Deepavali celebrated in 2024?
A: Deepavali is celebrated on 27th October in 2024.
In conclusion, the Tamil Calendar 2024 is filled with numerous events and festivals that are celebrated with great enthusiasm in Tamil Nadu and other parts of South India. These festivals offer a glimpse into the rich culture and tradition of the Tamil community. By understanding the significance of the Tamil Calendar, we can appreciate and celebrate the diversity of our country.