PANCHANGAM

Indian calendars are known as Panchangam. Panchangam is Vedic astronomy - based calendar.
The word ‘panchangam’ is a combination of two words, “pancha” which means five and “angam”
which meaning limbs. This calendar is named as panchangam because a day in this calendar is
ascribed as 5 attributes, Tithi, Nakshathiram, Vaara (Weekday), Yogam and Karnam. Those five
main elements are used to refer a specific day in a year. Besides that, Raasi, Muhurtam and
Lagnaam also are important elements of Panchangam. Panchangam is made based on Vaana
Sathiram (Vedic astronomy scriptures). Position of Sun, Moon, plants and stars (constellations) in
space are used to design Panchangam.

There are two types of Panchangam, Suryaganana (Solar calendar) and Chandraganana
(Lunar calendar). Solar calendar is based on the celestial position of the Sun while Lunar calendar
based on the celestial position of the Moon. Even though starting day of months and year is
different, both Solar and Lunar calendar share same Tithi, Nakshathiram, Vaara (Weekday),
Yogam, Karnam, Muhurtam and Lagnaam.

Tamil calendar is named as Tamil Panchangam or Tirukannitha Panchangam. Tamil

Panchangam is a solar calendar. Tamil people followed Solar calendar since ancient time even
though their months are named after Lunar calendar. Present of sanskrit words “pancha” in Tamil
calendar’s name shows influences of Vedic concepts (Hinduism) in making of Tamil Calendar.

The invention of Panchangam prove that our ancestor possesses the astronomy knowledge
such as Sun is center of solar system, Earth rotate Sun on its orbit, Moon rotate Earth on its orbit,
Earth spin earth on its axis and present of plants in solar system even before the modern scientist
discover those scientific fact. Because of that, concepts and calculation of Panchangam still
acceptable and valid until today.
 KIZHAMAI / VAARA (WEEKDAY)

One complete spinning of earth on its axis makes a day ( Naal in Tamil). A Vedic day starts at
sunrise and end at next sunrise. Vaara or a day in a week can be defined as period of time that been
belonged, ruled and influenced by Graha Devas. So, all days in a week in Panchangam is named
after Graha devas who belonged, rules and influence the particular day according to Vedic
astronomy. Kizhamai is Tamil word for day. Word ‘kizhamai’ means belongs. Thus, ‘Ñyaitrṟu-
kizhamai’ means period of time that belongs to Ñyaitrṟu (Suriya) Devan to rule. This applied for
all Tamil days. Each Graha devas are been associated with Sun or planet or natural satellite(Moom)
that present in solar system.

According to Puranam, Suriya Devan, Chandira Devan, Mangala Devan, Budha Devan,
Vyala Devan, Sukira Devan, Shani Devan are real (initial) Graha Devas while Raghu Devan and
Keethu Devan are Shaya (shadow/virtual) Graha Devas. Raaghu Devan and Keethu Devan are
same Asuran who being separated from head. Besides, there is no planet in solar system to
represent Raaghu Devan and Keethu Devan. Thus, the Seven real/initial Graha Devas belongs a
day for themselves. That why, there is 7 days in a week.

Since Suriya Devan is leader of Graha Devas, Ñyaitrṟu-kizhamai is first day of week.
Specific order of days in a week is determined by according to specific order of seven real Graha
Devas starting from Suriya Devan according to Vedic concepts. The order of Graha Devas can be
seen in following mantra:
“Om Adityaya Somaya Mangalaya Budhayacha Guru Sukra Sanibhyascha Rahave Ketave Namah”

Bhudhan and Sanik, Sanskrit words are used to refer to Wednesday and Saturday
respectively from long ago. Word ‘Bhudhan’ is derived from ‘Budha Dev’ while Word ‘Sanik’ is
derived from ‘Shani Dev’. Viyaazhan is considered as Tamil even though it is uncertain. Other
names of other Tamil days are pure Tamil. The following table shows names and order of days of
week and its corresponding Garha Deva, planet and Gregorian calendar equivalent:
 Day Star or planet or
natural satellite Gregorian
Garha Deva who belongs
Tamil Sanskrit that been Calendar
Order and rule the day
(kizhamai) (Vaasara) associated with equivalent
the Garha deva
1 Ñyaitrṟu-kizhamai Ravi-vaasara Suriya/Ravi Bhagavan Sun Sunday
2 Thinga-kizhamai Soma-vaasara Chandira/Soma Bhagavan Moon Monday

3 Chevvāi-kizhamai Mangala-vaasara Mangala/Chevvāi Bhagavan Mars Tuesday

4 Bhudhan-kizhamai Budha-vaasara Budha Bhagavan Mercury Wednesday

5 Vyazhak-kizhamai Guru-vaasara Vyala/Guru Bhagavan Jupiter Thursday

6 Veḷḷik-kizhamai Sukra-vaasara Sukira/Veḷḷik Bhagavan Venus Friday

7 Sanik-kizhamai Shani-vaasara Shani Bhagavan Saturn Saturday

TITHI

According to Puranam, Chandira /Soma Devan (Moon Devan) married to Dakshan’s 27 daughters,
27 Nakshatra Devis, Ashvini, Bharani, Krittikaa, Rohini, Mrigashirsha, Aardraa, Punarvasu,
Pushya, Aashleshaa, Maghaa, Puurva Phalgunii, Uttara Phalgunii, Hasta, Chitraa, Svaatii,
Vishaakhaa, Anuraadhaa, Jyeshtha, Muula, Puurva Ashaadhaa, Uttara Ashaadhaa, Shravana,
Shravishthaa, Shatabhishaa, Puurva Bhaadrapadaa, Uttara Bhaadrapadaa and Revati. Later,
Dakshan found that Chandira Devan don’t treat his 27 daughters equally, overly favored one
daughter, Rohini over the others and only spreading all time with Rohini. For that, Dakshan cursed
Chandira Devan to wither and disappear from existing. Chandra Devan approached and worshiped
God Shiva in order to be relieved from the curse.

God Shiva gave Chandira Devan the boon that he would to be relieved from the curse and
will grow and gain his Kalas (shade), one per day until full Kala is achieved in one half cycle and
in the other half cycle, Chandira Devan would keep losing his Kala, one per day and decrease in
size until all kala is disappeared. This process will be occurred continuously as a cycle. Thus, Tithi
of a particular time is defined as Kala of Chandira Devan during the time.
 According to astronomy, Tithi can be defined as lunar phase of Moon. The lunar phase is
the shape of the directly sunlight portion of the Moon as viewed from Earth during a time and
place. Since Earth is constantly moving along its orbit about the Sun, the Moon must travel slightly
more than 360° and takes about 29.53 days to get from one new moon to the next new moon and
this period is known as synodic month or lunar month. The lunar phases gradually and cyclically
change over the period of a synodic month, as the orbital positions of the Moon around Earth and
Earth around the Sun shift. The Moon's rotation is tidally locked by Earth's gravity; therefore, most
of the same lunar side always faces Earth. This near side is variously sunlight, depending on the
position of the Moon in its orbit. Thus, the sunlight portion of this face can vary from 0% (at new
moon) to 100% (at full moon). Every 12° difference between Sun and Moon forms a Tithi. Period
of a Tithi is time-duration between the consecutive epochs that correspond to when the
longitudinal-angle between sun and moon is an integer multiple of 12°. Since the motion of the
moon on its orbit is not uniform, period of every Tithi are not constant and can be longer than a
day or shorter than a day. Generally, the Tithi prevalent at sunrise is taken as the Tithi of the day.

There is 30 Tithis to represent 30 lunar phases of Moon. Those 30 Tithi are divided into
two set of half cycle called Sukhla paksham and Krishna paksham. Paksham is a Sanskrit word
and its equivalent Tamil word is Azhuvam. Sukhla paksham (Valar pirai) is waxing period of lunar
phase of Moon which ends in full moon while Krishna paksham (Theei pirai) is waning period of
lunar phase of Moon which ends in new moon. Each set of paksham consist of 15 Tithi. Period of
a Paksha can be vary from 13 to 15 days depending on period of each Tithi. For both set of
Paksham, all Tithis have the same name except 15th Tithi (Amavasya or Purnima). Putiya Nilavu,
Pirai, Arai Nilavu, Moondram Pirai, Mulu Nilavu are equivalent Tamil names for certain Tithis.
The following table shows order, names and lunar phase of Tithis according to paksham and The
following figure shows one complete lunar phase cycle which consist of one set of Sukhla paksham
and one set of Krishna paksham:
 Tithi
Order of
lunar Sukhla paksham Krishna paksham

phase Name Lunar phase Name Lunar phase

1 Prathamai Prathamai

2 Thuvithiyai Thuvithiyai

3 Thiruthiyai Thiruthiyai

4 Chathurthi Chathurthi

5 Panchami Panchami

Sashti
6 Sashti

7 Sapthami Sapthami

8 Ashtami Ashtami

NAKSHATHIRAM
9 Navami Navami

10 Dhasami Dhasami

11 Egaadasi Egaadasi

12 Thuvaadasi Thuvaadasi

13 Thirayodasi Thirayodasi

14 Chathurdasi Chathurdasi

Purnima/Pournami Amavasya/Amavasai
15
(full moon) (new moon)
 NAKSHATHIRAM

According to Puranam, after being released from Dakshan’s curse, Chandira Devan corrected his
previously mistake that he not treats all his wives fairly. Chandira Devan take turn to spend time
with his 27 wives separately so that each of 27 Nakshatra Devis can have her personal time with
their husband. So, Nakshathiram of a particular time in particular day is defined as name of
Nakshatra Devi who spend time with Chandira Devan during the moment while duration of a
Nakshathiram for a day defined as duration of time that Chandira Devan spend with the particular
Nakshatra Devi.

According to astronomy, Chandira Devan is represented by Moon while 27 Nakshatra

Devis is represented by 27 constellation that exist in each of 27 celestial sphere divisions or
segments along orbit of moon around Earth as shown in following figure. Since a full circle is
360°, each of 27 celestial sphere divisions (27 constellation) identifies a 13° 20‘ segment of the
celestial sphere around Earth as shows in following figure. The Moon pass through all 27 celestial
sphere divisions as moving in its orbit to rotate the Earth. The moon rose in one celestial sphere
divisions each day taking approximately 28 days to rise again in the same segment. Moon takes
approximately 27.32 days to revolve around Earth and the period is called as sidereal month.

Constellation of celestial sphere divisions in which the Moon resided during a time indicate
Nakshathiram of the particular time while duration of time that Moon moves in the particular
celestial sphere divisions indicate period of the Nakshathiram. For example, position of Moon on
its orbit when Nakshathiram of the time is Poosam is shown in following figure. Since the motion
of the moon on its orbit is not uniform, period of every Nakshathiram are not constant and can be
more than a day or less than a day. Birth star or Janma Nakshathiram of a person is the
Nakshathirams on which the Moon resided when the person is born. Since Nakshathirams are
named after Nakshatra Devis, Nakshathirams has Sanskrit origin names. Few Nakshathirams such
as Thiruvaadhirai, Kettai, Aviṭṭam and Tiruvoonam has pure Tamil equivalent name. The
following table shows order, names, associated constellation and range of segment of celestial
sphere of Nakshathirams and the following figure show 27 celestial sphere divisions (with 27
Nakshathirams) along orbit of moon around Earth:
 Name of Nakshathiram Range of
Associated
Order segment of the
Tamil Sanskrit constellation
celestial sphere
1 Aswini Ashvini 3 stars (horse face) 0° - 12°
2 Baraṇi Bharani 3 stars (pot) 13° - 26°
3 Kaarthikai Krittikaa 6 stars (razor) 27° - 39°
4 Roohiṇi Rohini 5 stars (chariot) 40° - 52°
5 Mirugasiiridam Mrigashirsha/Margaseershe 3 stars (deer head) 53° - 66°
6 Thiruvaadhirai Aardraa 1 star (bead) 67° - 79°
7 Punarpoosam Punarvasu 5 stars (bow) 80° - 92°
8 Poosam Pushya/Thykshyam 3 stars (flower) 93° - 106°
9 Ayilyam Aashleshaa 6 stars (serpent) 107° - 119°
10 Magam Maghaa 5 stars (palanquin) 120° - 132°
11 Pooram Puurva Phalgunii 4 stars (leg of cot) 133° - 146°
12 Uthiram Uttara Phalgunii 4 stars (leg of cot) 147° - 159°
13 Astham Hasta 5 stars (palm) 160° - 172°
14 Chithirai Chitraa 1 star (pearl) 173° - 186°
15 Swathi Svaatii 1 star (sapphire) 187° - 199°
16 Visakam Vishaakhaa 3 stars (potter wheel) 200° - 212°
17 Anusham Anuraadhaa 3 stars (umbrella) 213° - 226°
18 Kettai Jyeshtha 3 stars (umbrella) 227° - 239°
19 Muulam Muula 6 stars (crouching lion) 240° - 252°
20 Puuradam Puurva Ashaadhaa 4 stars (square) 253° - 266°
21 Uthiraadam Uttara Ashaadhaa same as above 267° - 279°
22 Tiruvoonam Shravana 3 stars (arrow) 280° - 292°
23 Aviṭṭam Shravishthaa/Dhanishta 4 stars (drum) 293° - 306°
24 Sadayam Shatabhishaa/Shatataraka 100 stars (flower) 307° - 319°
25 Puuraṭṭaadhi Puurva Bhaadrapadaa 4 stars (leg of cot) 320° - 332°
26 Uttṛṭṭaadhi Uttara Bhaadrapadaa 4 stars (leg of cot) 333° - 346°
27 Reevathi Revati 3 stars (fish) 347° - 359°
 347° 360°/0° 13°
333° 27°
320° 40°

307° 53°

293° 67°

280° 80°

Earth
267° 93°

253° 107°

120°
240°

133°
227°

213° 147°
200° 160°
187° 173°

YOGAM

Yogam is a time prevalent in a day and is calculated by adding the longitudes of Sun and moon
and dividing it into 27 equal parts. There is 27 Yogam. Those 27 Yogam are Vishakumbha, Preeti,
Aayushman, Saubhagya, Shobhana, Atiganda, Sukarma, Dhriti, Shoola, Gand, Vriddhi, Dhruva,
Vyaghaata, Harshana, Vajra, Siddhi, Vyatipaata, Variyaana, Parigha, Shiva, Siddha, Saddhya,
Shubha, Shukla, Brahma, Indra, and Vaidhriti. Their length, as the length of the stars, is 13° 20’.
 KARNAM

A Karnam has half the span of the Tithi so there are 2 Karnams during a Tithi. The Karanam
sequence changes according to Krishna paksham or Sukhla paksham and the first half or second
half of the tithi. There are total 11 Karnams. 4 Karnams, Shakuna, Chatushpada, Naga and
Kimstughna are fixed Karnams and they occur only once in a lunar month. 7 Karnams, Bava,
Balava, Kaulava, Taitila, Gara, Vanija and Vishti are moveable (Recurring) Karanas and they
occur eight times during the lunar month.

RAASI

Earth is spherical in shape. So, celestial sphere around Earth is spherical (circle in 2D review). The
celestial sphere around Earth that containing constellations and planets in divided to 12 segments;
each segment is named as Raasi or Raasi house (Zodaic). So, there is 12 Raasi. All Raasi have
Sanskrit origin names. All Raasi are spread on the elliptical path within a span of 8-9° (north-
south) from the equator of Earth. Position of each Raasi is fixed with Earth (by ignoring the spin
of earth on its axis). When Earth move in its orbit to rotate Sun, all Raasi house also move together
with Earth in fix position.

Raasi in which Sun, Moon, a particular planet and a particular constellation resided as its
backdrop always change as Earth moves in its orbit around Sun. That is called as Shifting across
Raasi. Shifting of planets across Raasi house is very important for in making Panchangam Since a
full circle is 360°, each Raasi identifies a 30° segment of the celestial sphere around Earth as shows
in following figure. Raasi chart is drawn as representation of 12 segments (12 Raasis) in celestial
sphere around Earth and used to indicate the position of planets in Raasi in space at a particular
time. The following table shows order, names, symbol and range of segment of celestial sphere of
Raasi while the following figures show 12 segments (12 Raasis) in celestial sphere around Earth
and its representation (Raasi Chart):
 Name of Raasi Range of segment of
Order Symbol of Raasi
Tamil Sanskrit English the celestial sphere

1 Mesham Meṣha Aries Ram (Goat) 0° - 29°

2 Rishabam Vṛiṣhabha Taurus Bull 30° - 59°

3 Mithunam Mithuna Gemini Twins 60° - 89°

4 Katakam Karka Cancer Crab 90° - 119°

5 Simmam Siṃha Leo Lion 120° - 149°

6 Kanni Kanya Virgo Virgin Girl 150° - 179°

7 Thulaam Tula Libra Balance 180° - 209°

8 Vrichigam Vṛiśchika Scorpio Scorpion 210° - 239°

9 Dhanus Dhanu Sagittarius Bow and Arrow 240° - 269°

10 Makaram Makara Capricorn Fish–goat or dear-Crocodile hybrid 270° - 299°

11 Kumbham Kumbha Aquarius Water Bearer 300° - 329°

12 Meenam Meena Pisces Two fishes 330° - 359°

360°/0°
330° 30°

300° 60°

270° 90°

240° 120°

210° 150°
180°
 Meenam Mesham Rishabam Mithunam

Kumbham Katakam

Earth

Makaram Simmam

Dhanus Vrichigam Thulaam Kanni

South Indian Style Raasi Chart

North Indian Style Raasi Chart

Birth Raasi or Janma Raasi of a person is Raasi in which Moon resided as its backdrop
corresponding to the person’s Janma Nakshathiram when the person is born. Janma Raasi don’t
not same with English horoscope zodiac (Raasi) in which Sun resided as its backdrop when the
person is born. The following table shows corresponding Janma Nakshathiram and range of
segment of celestial sphere of Janma Raasi
 Segment of the Range of
Corresponding Janma
Janma Raasi celestial sphere segment of the
Nakshathiram
range of Raasi celestial sphere
Asvini 0° - 12°
Mesham 0° - 29° Barani 13° - 26°
Krithigai (1/4) 27° - 29°
Krithigai (3/4) 30° - 39°
Rishabam 30° - 59° Rohini 40° - 52°
Mrigaseersham (1/2) 53° - 59°
Mrigaseersham (1/2) 60° - 66°
Mithunam 60° - 89° Thiruvaadhirai 67° - 79°
Punarpoosam (3/4) 80° - 89°
Punarpoosam (1/4) 90° - 92°
Katakam 90° - 119° Poosam 93° - 106°
Aayilyam 107° - 119°
Magam 120° - 132°
Simmam 120° - 149° Pooram 133° - 146°
Uttaram (1/4) 147° - 149°
Uttaram (3/4) 150° - 162°
Kanni 150° - 179° Hastham 163° - 176°
Chithirai (1/2) 177° - 179°
Chithirai (1/2) 180° - 186°
Thulaam 180° - 209° Svaathi 187° - 199°
Visaakam (3/4) 200° - 209°
Visaakam (1/4) 210° - 212°
Vrichigam 210° - 239° Anusham 213° - 226°
Kettai 227° - 239°
Moolam 240° - 252°
Dhanus 240° - 269° Pooraadam 253° - 266°
Uttaraadam (1/4) 267° - 269°
Uttaraadam (3/4) 270° - 279°
Makaram 270° - 299° Thiruvonam 280° - 292°
Avittam (1/2) 293° - 299°
Avittam (1/2) 300° - 306°
Kumbham 300° - 329 Sadhayam 307° - 319°
Poorataadhi (3/4) 320° - 329°
Poorataadhi (1/4) 330° - 332°
Meenam 330° - 359 Uttarataadhi 333° - 346°
Revathi 347° - 359°
 For example, position of Moon on its orbit when a person with Vrichigam as Janma Raasi
and Anusham as Janma Nakshathiram is born is shown in following figure:

347° 360°/0° 13°

333° 27°
320° 40°

307° 53°

360°/0°
293° 330° 30° 67°

300° 60°
280° 80°

270° Earth 90°

267° 93°

240° 120°
253° 107°
210° 150°
180°
120°
240°

133°
227°

213° 147°
200° 160°
187° 173°
 MAATHAM/MASAA (MONTH)

There are two types of months in Panchangam, Solar month and Lunar month. Solar calendar has
Solar months while Lunar calendar has Lunar months. In Tamil, month is known as maatham or
thingal

Solar month based on the Shifting of Sun across Raasis. Even though according to
astronomy, Sun never move and always stay at center of solar system and Earth is moving in its
orbit around Sun, concept of Sun Shifting across all Raasis is really very relevant. Since position
of each Raasi is fixed with Earth (by ignoring the spin of earth on its axis), when Earth move in its
orbit to rotate Sun, Raasi houses also move together with Earth in fix position; Raasi in which Sun
resided as its backdrop always change as Earth moves in its orbit around Sun. In other word, Sun
is moving across all Raasi as Earth is rotating it. Tamil months are Solar month.

A Solar month is determined based on a corresponding Raasi in which Sun resided as its
backdrop as shown in following table. Duration of Solar months is equivalent to duration of time
that Sun resided in corresponding Raasi as its backdrop. First day of a Solar month is the day at
when Sun enter corresponding Raasi as its backdrop while last day of a Solar month is the day at
when Sun leave corresponding Raasi as its backdrop. Since Earth’s orbit is elliptical; not perfect
circle, duration of time that Sun resided in each Raasi as its backdrop is not constant. That why,
number of days in Solar months is not same and varies between 29 and 32. As Earth had completed
a full cycle of rotating Sun, Sun had crossed all 12 Raasis as its backdrop. The period is called as
one Solar year (one Tamil year). A Solar year has 12 months because number of Solar months is
equivalent to number of Raasi. Each 12 Solar months symbolize the shift of Earth on its orbit by
30°. The following table shows position of Sun in Rassi in space and position of Sun in Rassi chart
for 12 Solar months:
 Solar
Position of Sun in Rassi in space Position of Sun in Rassi chart
Month

Sun
Meenam Mesham Rishabam Mithunam

Kumbham Katakam

Chithirai Earth

Makaram Simmam

Dhanus Vrichigam Thulaam Kanni

Sun
Meenam Mesham Rishabam Mithunam

Kumbham Katakam

Vaikaasi Earth

Makaram Simmam

Dhanus Vrichigam Thulaam Kanni

 Sun
Meenam Mesham Rishabam Mithunam

Kumbham Katakam

Aaani Earth

Makaram Simmam

Dhanus Vrichigam Thulaam Kanni

Meenam Mesham Rishabam Mithunam

Sun

Kumbham Katakam

Aaadi Earth

Makaram Simmam

Dhanus Vrichigam Thulaam Kanni

 Meenam Mesham Rishabam Mithunam

Kumbham Katakam

Aavaṇi Earth
Sun

Makaram Simmam

Dhanus Vrichigam Thulaam Kanni

Meenam Mesham Rishabam Mithunam

Kumbham Katakam

Puraṭṭaasi Earth

Makaram Simmam

Sun
Dhanus Vrichigam Thulaam Kanni
 Meenam Mesham Rishabam Mithunam

Kumbham Katakam

Aippasi Earth

Makaram Simmam

Sun
Dhanus Vrichigam Thulaam Kanni

Meenam Mesham Rishabam Mithunam

Kumbham Katakam

Kaarthikai Earth

Makaram Simmam

Sun
Dhanus Vrichigam Thulaam Kanni
 Meenam Mesham Rishabam Mithunam

Kumbham Katakam

Maarkazhi Earth

Makaram Simmam

Sun
Dhanus Vrichigam Thulaam Kanni

Meenam Mesham Rishabam Mithunam

Kumbham Katakam

Thai Earth
Sun

Makaram Simmam

Dhanus Vrichigam Thulaam Kanni

 Meenam Mesham Rishabam Mithunam

Sun

Maasi Kumbham Katakam

Earth

Makaram Simmam

Dhanus Vrichigam Thulaam Kanni

Sun
Meenam Mesham Rishabam Mithunam

Kumbham Katakam
Paṅguni
Earth

Makaram Simmam

Dhanus Vrichigam Thulaam Kanni

 Order, corresponding Raasi in which the Sun resided, Number of days and Gregorian
Calendar equivalent of solar months are shown following table:

Corresponding Raasi in Number of

Order Solar month which the Sun resided days in the Gregorian Calendar equivalent
month

1 Chithirai Mesham 31 mid-April to mid-May

2 Vaikaasi Rishabam 31 mid-May to mid-June

3 Aaani Mithunam 32 mid-June to mid-July

4 Aaadi Katakam 31 mid-July to mid-August
5 Aavaṇi Simmam 31 mid-August to mid-September
6 Puraṭṭaasi Kanni 31 mid-September to mid-October
7 Aippasi Thulaam 29/30 mid-October to mid-November
8 Kaarthikai Vrichigam 29/30 mid-November to mid-December
9 Maarkazhi Dhanus 29 mid-December to mid-January
10 Thai Makaram 29.30 mid-January to mid-February
11 Maasi Kumbham 29/30 mid-February to mid-March
12 Paṅguni Meenam 31/30 mid-March to mid-April

Lunar months are based on Tithis. Like synodic month, Lunar month is the period between
two Amavasai Tithis (new moon). The duration of a Lunar month is approximately 29.53 days.
First day of a Lunar month starts when Sukhla paksha Prathamai Tithis of the month starts and last
day of a Lunar month ends Amavasai Tithi of the month ends. Since Moon can rotate Earth 12
times completely within the period of one complete rotation of Earth around Sun, there is 12 Lunar
months in a standard Lunar year. Tamil version of Lunar month not don’t used by Tamil people.
Order, Number of day and Gregorian Calendar equivalent of Lunar month are shown following
table:
 Number of day in
Order Lunar month Gregorian Calendar equivalent
the month

1 Chithirai 29/30 somewhere-March to somewhere-April

2 Vaikaasi 29/30 somewhere-April to somewhere-May

3 Aaani 29/30 somewhere-May to somewhere-June

4 Aaadi 29/30 somewhere-June to somewhere-July

5 Aavaṇi 29/30 somewhere-July to somewhere-August

6 Puraṭṭaasi 29/30 somewhere-August to somewhere-September

7 Aippasi 29/30 somewhere-September to somewhere-October

8 Kaarthikai 29/30 somewhere-October to somewhere-November

9 Maarkazhi 29/30 somewhere-November to somewhere-December

10 Thai 29/30 somewhere-December to somewhere-January

11 Maasi 29/30 somewhere-January to somewhere-February

12 Paṅguni 29/30 somewhere-February to somewhere-March

Naming Of Month

Both Solar and Lunar month are named by using same concepts. All months are named after
specific Nakshathiram on which Moon resided on Pournami Tithi (full moon) day of the month.
Name of all Tamil month is derived from name of Nakshathiram on which Moon rises during the
full moon day of the month expect Aaani. For example, Pournami Tithi of Chithirai month is fall
on Chithra Nakshathiram. The following table shows list names of months and its corresponding
Nakshathiram on which Moon rises on Pournami Tithi (full moon) day of the month.
 Month Name Nakshatram on which Moon rises on Pournami
Order (Both Solar and Lunar month) Tithi (full moon) day of the month

Tamil Sanskrit Tamil Sanskrit

1 Chithirai Chaitra Chithirai Chitraa
2 Vaikaasi Vaisaakha Visakam Vishaakhaa
3 Aaani Jyaishtha Kettai Jyeshtha
4 Aaadi Aashaaḍha Puuradam Puurva Ashaadhaa

5 Aavaṇi Shraavaṇa Tiruvoonam Shravana

6 Puraṭṭaasi Bhaadrapada/ Prauṣṭhapada Puuraṭṭaadhi Puurva Bhaadrapadaa

7 Aippasi Ashwina/ Ashvayuja Aswini Ashvini

8 Kaarthikai Kaarttika Kaarthikai Krittikaa

9 Maarkazhi Maargaṣiirṣa Mirugasiiridam Mrigashirsha/Margaseershe

10 Thai Pausha/Taiṣya Poosam Pushya/Thykshyam
11 Maasi Maagha Magam Maghaa
12 Paṅguni Phalguna Uthiram Uttara Phalgunii

AANDU / VARUSHAM (YEAR)

In Tamil, year is called as Aandu. In Solar calendar, a year is the duration for Sun return to same
Raasi again after rising the Raasi. This duration is precisely same with duration that Earth took to
rotate around Sun once. Duration of a Solar year (12 solar months) is 365 days, 6 hours, 9.54
seconds.

While in lunar calendar, a year is period between 13 Amavasai Tithis (new moon) or
duration for 12 complete lunar cycle to occur. As the moon takes about 29.53 days to get from one
new moon to the next new moon, duration of a standard Lunar year (12 Lunar months) is 354 days,
8 hours and 34.28 seconds 354 days. Standard Lunar year is less by of 10 days, 21 hours and 35.16
seconds as compared to the Solar year. When the accumulated difference between the Solar and
Lunar calendar systems exceeds 29 days, 12 hours, 44 minutes and 2.865 seconds (once in 2-3
year), an Adhika Masa (extra month) is added to the Lunar calendar to make it coincide with the
Solar calendar.
 Adhika Masa carries the name of the previous or the next month, depending on the
proximity of the month. This addition of extra month is done when there is no solar ingress in a
Lunar month; If Sun don’t enter any Raasi but simply keeps moving within a Raasi in a Lunar
month, then that extra Lunar month will be named according to the first upcoming shifting of Sun
into new Raasi and will also get the epithet of Adhika (extra). For example, if an extra Lunar month
elapsed without a shifting of Sun and the next shifting of Sun is into Mesha Raasi, then that month
will be named Chaitra. The following month will be names as usual and will take the epithet Nija
(“original”) or Shuddha (“clean”).

First day of year (New Year)

Recall that, first day of a Solar month is the day at when Sun enter corresponding Raasi. So, first
day of a Solar year is the day at when Sun enter the first Raasi which is Mesha Raasi. Since
Chithirai is corresponding Solar month for Mesha Raasi, first day of Chithirai month (Solar month
version) is first day of a Solar year. Besides, Chithirai month has the same length of day and night.
Thus, it is very suitable to be first month of a Solar year.

Recall that, first day of a Lunar month starts when Sukhla paksha Prathamai Tithis of the
month starts. Since Sukhla paksha Prathamai Tithi days occur 12 times within a standard Lunar
year, the Sukhla paksha Prathamai Tithi day of Lunar month at which period Sun enter the first
Raasi, Mesha Raasi is first day of a Lunar year. Thus, First day of Chithirai month (Lunar month
version) also is first day of a Lunar year. Lunar calendar also been called as Lunisolar calendar
since and both lunar phase of Moon (Sukhla paksha Prathamai Tithi) and position of Sun in Raasi
(Mesha Raasi) is needed to determine the is first day of year.

In conclusion, generally, Indian or Hindu New Year is celebrated twice within a year of
Gregorian calendar with different names and at two different times of the year. New year will be
celebrated on 13th/14th /15th April by ethnic group people who follow Solar calendar while new
year will be celebrated on somewhere between march and April by ethnic group people who follow
Lunar calendar. Those new years is celebrated based on individual calendar of each ethnic group.
For example, Tamil Panchangam is individual calendar of Tamil people.
 Due to minor errors in calculation of individual calendar, those new year of each ethnic
group likely don’t fall on same exact day, but within range of three days. The following table
shows list names of new year according to ethnic group:

Gregorian
Ethnic group
Origin region of the Type of calendar
New Year who celebrate
ethnic group calendar equivalent
the new year
date

Tamil Puthandu Tamilan Tamil Nadu

Malayali Kerala
Vishu
Tuluva Tulunadu (Karnataka)
Vaisakhi Punjabi Punjab
Rongali Bihu Assamese Assam
Pana Sankranti Odia Odisha
Pahela Baishakh Bengali Bengal
Fixed on
Jude Sheetal Maithils Mithila (Bihar) Solar 13th/14th/15th
Thingyan Burmese Myanmar April
Lao Laos
Songkran
Thai Thailand
Choul Chnam Thmey Khmer Cambodia
Aluth Avurudda Sinhalese Sri Lanka
Pōshuǐ jié Dai China
Sangken Tangsa Arunachal Pradesh
Navavarsha Nepali Nepal
Telugu Andhra Pradesh
Ugadi
Kannada Karnataka
Gudhi Padwa Marathi Maharashtra Varies
somewhere
Sajibu Nongma Pānba Meitei Manipur Lunar between
Navreh Kashmiri Kashmir march and
Cheti Chand Sindhi Sindh April

Nyepi Balinese Bali (Indonesia)

Name Of Year

Years in Panchangam don’t be noted by number as Gregorian Calendar, but by name. Both North
and South Indian Panchangam (both Solar and Lunar calendars) commonly used 60-year cycle
system called Brihaspati samvatsara chakra, with the same name and sequence of years. Brihaspati
Samvatsara Chakra is called as Vattam in Tamil. A year in the 60-year cycle system is known as
Samvatsara, a Sanskrit term. One Brihaspati Samvatsara Chakra has 60 Samvatsara and each
Samvatsara are identified by unique Sanskrit name. If all 60 Samvatsaras are over, the cycle will
start over again with the first Samvatsara as how months and weeks do. One Brihaspati Samvatsara
Chakra (60-year cycle) is duration for Saturn which takes 30 years to complete one cycle round
Sun and the Jupiter which takes 12 years to complete one cycle round Sun comes to the same
position in space. The following table shows of list of 60 years (Samvatsaras), its Tamil translation
and its Gregorian Calendar equivalent year for current period:

Order Name of year (Sanskrit) Tamil translation Gregorian Calendar equivalent year
1 Prabhava Nantrontral 1987–1988
2 Vibhava Uyarthontral 1988-1989
3 Sukla Velouli 1989-1990
4 Pramodoota Peruvagai 1990-1991
5 Prachorpaththi Makkatchelvam 1991-1992
6 Aangirasa Ayalmuni 1992-1993
7 Srimukha Thirumugam 1993-1994
8 Bhava Thotrram 1994-1995
9 Yuva Ilamai 1995-1996
10 Dhaatu Maazhai 1996-1997
11 Eesvara Eechchuram 1997-1998
12 Bahudhanya Kulavalam 1998-1999
13 Pramathi Munmai 1999-2000
14 Vikrama Nerniral 2000-2001
15 Vishu Vilaipayan 2001-2002
16 Chitrabaanu Oviyakathir 2002-2003
17 Subhaanu Narkathir 2003-2004
18 Dhaarana Thaangkezhil 2004-2005
19 Paarthiba Nilvaraiyan 2005-2006
20 Viya Virimaanbu 2006-2007
21 Sarvajith Mutrarivu 2007-2008
22 Sarvadhari Muzhuniraivu 2008-2009
23 Virodhi Theerpagai 2009-2010
24 Vikruthi Valmattram 2010-2011
25 Kara Seinerththi 2011-2012
26 Nandhana Narkuzhavi 2012-2013
27 Vijaya Uyarvaagai 2013-2014
 28 Jaya Vaagai 2014-2015
29 Manmatha Kathanmai 2015-2016
30 Dhunmuki Vemmugam 2016-2017
31 Hevilambi Potradai 2017-2018
32 Vilambi Atti 2018-2019
33 Vikari Ezhilmaral 2019-2020
34 Sarvari Veeriyezhal 2020-2021
35 Plava Keezharai 2021-2022
36 Subakrith Narseikai 2022-2023
37 Sobakrith Mangalam 2023-2024
38 Krodhi Pagaikedu 2024-2025
39 Visuvaasuva Ulaganiraivu 2025-2026
40 Parabhaava Aruttotram 2026-2027
41 Plavanga Nachchupuzhai 2027-2028
42 Keelaka Pinaiviragu 2028-2029
43 Saumya Azhagu 2029-2030
44 Sadharana Pothunilai 2030-2031
45 Virodhikrithu Eegalveeru 2031-2032
46 Paridhaabi Kazhivirakkam 2032-2033
47 Pramaadhisa Natralaimai 2033-2034
48 Aanandha Perumagazhchi 2034-2035
49 Rakshasa Perumaram 2035-2036
50 Nala Thaamarai 2036-2037
51 Pingala Ponmai 2037-2038
52 Kalayukthi Karumaiveechchu 2038-2039
53 Siddharthi Munniyamudithal 2039-2040
54 Raudhri Azhali 2040-2041
55 Dunmathi Kodumathi 2041-2042
56 Dhundubhi Perikai 2042-2043
57 Rudhrodhgaari Odingi 2043-2044
58 Raktakshi Semmai 2044-2045
59 Krodhana Ethiretram 2045-2046
60 Akshaya Valangkalan 2046-2047

SEASON

A year is divided into 6 seasons at where Two months constituted one season. The following
table shows detail of 6 seasons of a year.
Tamil season name Similar English season name Definition of season Months that constituted

Ila-venil Spring Light warmth Chithirai, Vaikaasi

Mutu-venil Summer Harsh warmth Aaani, Aaadi

Kaar Monsoon Dark clouds, rain Aavani, Puraṭṭaasi

Kulir Autumn Chill / cold Aippasi, Kaarthikai

Mun-pani Winter Early mist / dew Maarkazhi, Thai

Pin-pani Prevernal Late mist / dew Maasi, Panguni

FESTIVAL AND FASTING DAYS

Date of Hindu festival and fasting days are determined in Panchangam either based on combination
of month, Nakshathiram and Tithi or combination of month and Nakshathiram only or combination
of month and Tithi only. Usually for festivals like Deepavali, the Tithi prevalent at the night will
be considered. Besides, Tamilians celebrate Pongal festival on 1st Thai. That same day, North
Indians celebrate Makara Sankranti festival which indicate entering of Sun in Makara Raasi. The
following table shows list of monthly festival or fasting days and its corresponding combination
of Nakshathiram, Tithi and/or Paksham that indicate the date of celebration in Panchangam:

Festival/Fasting Days Nakshathiram Tithi Paksham

Sangadahara Chathurthi - Chathurthi Krishna
Bhairavar Ashtami - Ashtami Krishna
Sravana Viratham Tiruvoonam - -
Sarva Egaadasi - Egaadasi Sukhla and Krishna
Prathosam - Thirayodasi Sukhla and Krishna
Matha Shivaratri - Chathurdasi Krishna
Amavasai Poojai/Tharpanam - Amavasai Krishna
Kaarthikai Viratham Kaarthikai - -
Chathurthi Viratham - Chathurthi Sukhla
Sashti Viratham - Sashti Sukhla
Durga Ashtami - Ashtami Sukhla
Pournami Poojai - Pournami Sukhla
 The following table shows list of annually festival or fasting days and its corresponding
combination of Month, Nakshathiram, Tithi and/or Paksham that indicate the date of celebration
in Panchangam:

Festival Month Nakshathiram Tithi Paksham

Akshaya Thiruthiyai Chithirai - Thiruthiyai Sukhla
Narasimha Jayanti Chithirai Swathi Chathurdasi Sukhla
Chithira Pournami Chithirai Chithirai Pournami Sukhla
Vaikasi Visakam Vaikaasi Visakam Pournami Sukhla
Aani Thirumanjanam Aani Uttaram - -
Skanda Panchami Aaadi Panchami Sukhla
Aadi Pooram Aaadi Pooram - -
Naga Panchami/ Aaadi - Panchamai Sukhla
Gadurda Panchamai
Varalakshmi vratham Aavaṇi - - Sukhla
(Last Friday)
Aavani Aviṭṭam/ Aavaṇi Aviṭṭam Pournami Sukhla
Raksha Bandhan
Krishna Jayanthi Aavaṇi Roohiṇi Ashtami Krishna
Vinayakar Chathurthi Aavaṇi Astham Chathurthi Sukhla
Navaratri first day Puraṭṭaasi - Prathamai Sukhla
Navaratri second day Puraṭṭaasi - Thuvithiyai Sukhla
Navaratri third day Puraṭṭaasi - Thiruthiyai Sukhla

Navaratri fourth day Puraṭṭaasi - Chathurthi Sukhla

Navaratri fifth day Puraṭṭaasi - Panchami Sukhla
Navaratri sixth day Puraṭṭaasi - Sashti Sukhla
Navaratri seventh day Puraṭṭaasi - Sapthami Sukhla
Navaratri eighth day Puraṭṭaasi - Ashtami Sukhla
Navaratri ninth day Puraṭṭaasi - Navami Sukhla
Vijaya Dhasami/ Puraṭṭaasi Dhasami Sukhla
Dussehra -
Deepavali Aippasi - Thirayodasi Krishna
Kanda Shasthi Aippasi - Sashti Sukhla
Surasamharam
Karthigai Deepam Kaarthikai Kaarthikai Pournami Sukhla
 Vaikunta Egaadasi Maarkazhi - Egaadasi Sukhla
Arudra Darshan/ Maarkazhi Thiruvathirai - -
Thiruvathirai Thirunal
Hanuman Jayanti Maarkazhi Muulam Amavasai Krishna
Pongal/ Thai - - -
Makara Sankranti (First day)
Thaipusam Thai Poosam Pournami Sukhla
Maha Shivaratri Maasi - Thirayodasi Krishna
Maasi Magam/Holi Maasi Magam Pournami Sukhla
Rama Navami Paṅguni Punarpoosam Navami Sukhla
Panguni Uthiram Paṅguni Uthiram Pournami Sukhla