1. Calendar in olden days.
Even in my childhood days there were calendars prepared by Mathrubhoomi,
Manorama, Malayala Rajyam etc. On those days there were 12 sheets for 12 months
. Now the number of sheets has been reduced to 6 with printing in back side.
Manorama, Malayala Rajyam etc. On those days there were 12 sheets for 12 months
. Now the number of sheets has been reduced to 6 with printing in back side.
Calendar used to be hanged in shops, and in libraries and medium houses and in
temples on those days. Calendar was available in weekly market or book shops on
those days for purchasing.
temples on those days. Calendar was available in weekly market or book shops on
those days for purchasing.
Calendar was referred to see the date for the day mostly. Panchangams were
separate in book form. Calendar was also used to see the festival time, stars
for birth day celebration, observing Eakadasi fast and for marking thithies of
deceased parents for reference.
separate in book form. Calendar was also used to see the festival time, stars
for birth day celebration, observing Eakadasi fast and for marking thithies of
deceased parents for reference.
It was common to mark birth time of babies in calendar for later referring to
Astrologer. Students used to mark examination time, subject in the calendar for
ready reference for studies. There used to be only one calendar in a House on
those days. Free gift of calendars were rare.
Astrologer. Students used to mark examination time, subject in the calendar for
ready reference for studies. There used to be only one calendar in a House on
those days. Free gift of calendars were rare.
2. Calendar Gifts.
Calendar publishing with attractive photos, giving 2nd priority to Calendar data
was common from shops by 1960's. It was supplied free in New Year as gift.
This trend continues for a long time and even now.
was common from shops by 1960's. It was supplied free in New Year as gift.
This trend continues for a long time and even now.
It was common just like gifting diary gifting good calendars in New Year to
friends and relatives. On those days it was customary to hang calendars from
Air India etc with attractive pictures on walls. Every sheet there was
interesting attractive and beautiful pictures. This calendar cost any thing
above Rs 25-00 to Rs 50-00 for production. But it was part of the business. On
those days there was a craziness for calendars with people. Now it has
diminished.
friends and relatives. On those days it was customary to hang calendars from
Air India etc with attractive pictures on walls. Every sheet there was
interesting attractive and beautiful pictures. This calendar cost any thing
above Rs 25-00 to Rs 50-00 for production. But it was part of the business. On
those days there was a craziness for calendars with people. Now it has
diminished.
3. Attraction to Bank Calendars.
Now a day other than calendars for ready reference, people maximum desire is
calendars from any bank. These indicate the banking holidays, felt maximum
important for transactions. People are particular to get from their banks. Till
date bank supply calendar free.
calendars from any bank. These indicate the banking holidays, felt maximum
important for transactions. People are particular to get from their banks. Till
date bank supply calendar free.
4. Modern trend of calendars
Today's trend is not in attractive pictures. The fancy for attractive pictures
have come down very much. For information only now a day most are interested.
Today's trend is not in attractive pictures. The fancy for attractive pictures
have come down very much. For information only now a day most are interested.
Usually two or three calendars are used in houses in guest room, Hall, Kitchen
etc. Kitchen it is used to mark Gas cylinder changed date, extra milk purchased
information.
etc. Kitchen it is used to mark Gas cylinder changed date, extra milk purchased
information.
Bank calendar takes a prominent place. Though for courtesy calendar is received
from all banks where transaction is there , except the best ones others are
given to the required.
from all banks where transaction is there , except the best ones others are
given to the required.
5. Waxed sheet Calendar
Now many use slightly waxed sheets for durability. Some of the calendar come
with God's pictures too. Even after the year use their disposal has become a
problem now a day.
with God's pictures too. Even after the year use their disposal has become a
problem now a day.
6. Daily sheet calendar
The daily sheet calendar I am seeing only after coming to Chennai in 1964. Many
people prefer daily sheet, which gives all information of the day in it. After
the day the page is torn of. I am not sure whether daily sheet is as common as
in Tamilnadu now in Kerala. In most of the daily sheet the quality of paper is
poor to keep minimum thickness.
people prefer daily sheet, which gives all information of the day in it. After
the day the page is torn of. I am not sure whether daily sheet is as common as
in Tamilnadu now in Kerala. In most of the daily sheet the quality of paper is
poor to keep minimum thickness.
6. Marking previous month and next month
I am not sure when this practice was started, the idea was excellent. Any simple
previous month and next month reference could be seen from the current month
sheet itself with out changing the sheet. This is especially advantageous to see
about the last year December and Next year January.
previous month and next month reference could be seen from the current month
sheet itself with out changing the sheet. This is especially advantageous to see
about the last year December and Next year January.
7. Calendar clocks
I am not sure whether these clocks can be called so, Once I went to a Clock
shop, I found a clock, which provided LCD display of date , day and year about
the bottom in sufficiently bold letters. The most referred in Calendar date and
day is automatically provided with year simultaneously.
shop, I found a clock, which provided LCD display of date , day and year about
the bottom in sufficiently bold letters. The most referred in Calendar date and
day is automatically provided with year simultaneously.
We need not bother what day to confirm the date. I simply purchased it before
three years and till date it gives good service. I am not sure of the method
which AUTOMATICALLY ADJUST DATE AND DAY IN EVERY MONTH AND YEAR.
three years and till date it gives good service. I am not sure of the method
which AUTOMATICALLY ADJUST DATE AND DAY IN EVERY MONTH AND YEAR.
8. Calendar information.
A calendar gives a lot of information. Many may be using them their required
relevant areas maximum. Full study of calendar is not done by many. Today's
calendar from firms like Mathrubhoomi etc is near about 70% of the stitched
Panchangam giving details .
relevant areas maximum. Full study of calendar is not done by many. Today's
calendar from firms like Mathrubhoomi etc is near about 70% of the stitched
Panchangam giving details .
9 Planetary positions
The present calendar covers two months in a page in the front and 2 months in
the back of it. For both months separate planetary positions are marked in the
top. This has details of planetary transits also. This position of planets and
transits are most use full for Astrologers and our sasthrikals.
the back of it. For both months separate planetary positions are marked in the
top. This has details of planetary transits also. This position of planets and
transits are most use full for Astrologers and our sasthrikals.
10. Sunrise and Sun set
The sunrise and sun set times are marked from 1st to 30th in an interval of 5
days. This is very useful to see the sunrise time and sun set time. Calculation
of Rahu kalam, Yamakandam and Gulika kalam are to be based on sun rise time. If
sun rises in the morning 5.30 AM on that day Rahukalam is from 5.30 to 7 AM and
not from 6 to 7.30 AM.
days. This is very useful to see the sunrise time and sun set time. Calculation
of Rahu kalam, Yamakandam and Gulika kalam are to be based on sun rise time. If
sun rises in the morning 5.30 AM on that day Rahukalam is from 5.30 to 7 AM and
not from 6 to 7.30 AM.
These are given for a particular area. Mathrubhoomi Calendar for example gives
for Kozhikkode. Roughly it can be about 3 minutes earlier for Trivandrum and 3
more minutes later for Chennai. This variation is due to change of coordinates.
for Kozhikkode. Roughly it can be about 3 minutes earlier for Trivandrum and 3
more minutes later for Chennai. This variation is due to change of coordinates.
11. Holidays and important festival days
As I pointed out earlier holidays and festival days are maximum referred to by
most. The dates are marked in red and holidays and festival days are marked and
detailed also separately. All Malayalam calendars follow almost similar pattern.
most. The dates are marked in red and holidays and festival days are marked and
detailed also separately. All Malayalam calendars follow almost similar pattern.
12. Rahukalam Yamakandam and Gulika Kalam.
Calendars give ready reference to these, avoiding mental calculations specially
for Yamakandam and Gulika kalam.
Many perform Rahukala pooja specially on Tuesdays and Fridays. Since Rahu has no
specific day like Guru or Sukra, every day he is allotted with one and a half
hours. Yamakandam is the period allotted to the Mrityu. Gulikan is the son of
Lord Saturn. The period of yamakandam is inauspicious like Rahukalam. However
the Gulika kalam is fair.
for Yamakandam and Gulika kalam.
Many perform Rahukala pooja specially on Tuesdays and Fridays. Since Rahu has no
specific day like Guru or Sukra, every day he is allotted with one and a half
hours. Yamakandam is the period allotted to the Mrityu. Gulikan is the son of
Lord Saturn. The period of yamakandam is inauspicious like Rahukalam. However
the Gulika kalam is fair.
13. Muslim Praying time
The calendar gives the prayer times for Muslims on the various dates also which
can be referred by them.
can be referred by them.
14. Malayalam Calendar for Tamil people use also
Though these calendars are in Malayalam, Tamil months and Tamil dates are also
included. I am not sure, when this practice has started. It was not there in
early days. Kerala having a number of Tamil people, I feel this is more
convenient to them to refer Tamil months and dates.
included. I am not sure, when this practice has started. It was not there in
early days. Kerala having a number of Tamil people, I feel this is more
convenient to them to refer Tamil months and dates.
15. Eras and dates mentioned
Actually I desired a 2nd part for discussing about the various eras told in the
Calendar and dates mentioned.
Actually I desired a 2nd part for discussing about the various eras told in the
Calendar and dates mentioned.
Of course Malayalam Calendar mentions Malayalam Era and Common Era. Calendar is
prepared for Common Era. In addition the following Eras are included:-
prepared for Common Era. In addition the following Eras are included:-
1. Tamil 2. Saka and 3 Hijra
Before I go in to interesting details about these Eras let me talk the co
relation between Malayalam dates and Common Era ( English)dates.
relation between Malayalam dates and Common Era ( English)dates.
16. Easy calculation of Malayalam date
Average an English (Common Era) month has 30 days. About 15th of the English
month Malayalam month starts. So if it is English date 25th, Malayalam date can
be about 10.
month Malayalam month starts. So if it is English date 25th, Malayalam date can
be about 10.
The same Principle hold good for Tamil month also. So about January15th is Thai
first.
16. Kolla varsham
first.
16. Kolla varsham
The origin of Kollam Era has been dated to 825 A.D. (April 15th is equated to
Metam1) when the great convention in Kollam was held at the behest of King
Kulashekhara. Kollam was an important town in that period, and Malayalam Era is
called 'Kolla Varsham' possibly as a result of the Tarsish-a-palli sassnam.
Metam1) when the great convention in Kollam was held at the behest of King
Kulashekhara. Kollam was an important town in that period, and Malayalam Era is
called 'Kolla Varsham' possibly as a result of the Tarsish-a-palli sassnam.
As per the calculation 1096 Chingam has been equated to 1920 August �
September in Satha varsha panjangams.
September in Satha varsha panjangams.
I am born in 1120 Kanni. So it is 1944 September.
Current Malayalam year is 1185. Adding 825 the current English(Common) Era 2010
is arrived.
is arrived.
17. The Gregorian calendar
The Calendar we follow today is The Gregorian calendar, also known as the
Western calendar or the Christian calendar, is the internationally accepted
civil calendar. It was introduced by Pope Gregory XIII, after whom the calendar
was named, by a decree signed on 24 February 1582. The Gregorian calendar is a
modification of the earlier existing Julian calendar. The Gregorian solar
calendar is an arithmetical calendar. It counts days as the basic unit of time,
grouping them into years of 365 or 366 days.A calendar date is fully specified
by the year (Leap years keep 29th day to February, which normally has 28 days)
Western calendar or the Christian calendar, is the internationally accepted
civil calendar. It was introduced by Pope Gregory XIII, after whom the calendar
was named, by a decree signed on 24 February 1582. The Gregorian calendar is a
modification of the earlier existing Julian calendar. The Gregorian solar
calendar is an arithmetical calendar. It counts days as the basic unit of time,
grouping them into years of 365 or 366 days.A calendar date is fully specified
by the year (Leap years keep 29th day to February, which normally has 28 days)
18. How to recollect the number of days in a month (English date)
There is a phrase taught to me by my father to recollect the number of days in
each month in my child hood days. It is as follows:-
each month in my child hood days. It is as follows:-
"Thirty days September April June and November, All the rest of thirty one
February has twenty eight alone"
February has twenty eight alone"
19. Calculation of Leap year.
If the year is devisable by 4 with out reminder, in that year February has 29
days instead of 28 days. Current year 2010 not devisable by 4 and only 28 days.
During 2008 February had 29 days!!
days instead of 28 days. Current year 2010 not devisable by 4 and only 28 days.
During 2008 February had 29 days!!
20 Indian National Calendar (Saka varsham)
The Indian national calendar (sometimes called Saka calendar) is the official
civil calendar in use in India.
civil calendar in use in India.
It is used, alongside the Gregorian calendar, by The Gazette of India, news
broadcasts by All India Radio, and calendars and communications issued by the
Government of India .
broadcasts by All India Radio, and calendars and communications issued by the
Government of India .
The term may also ambiguously refer to the Hindu calendar, and the Saka era is
commonly used by different calendars as well.
commonly used by different calendars as well.
21 Calendar structure
I am furnishing below the different months of Saka era with dates and
corresponding English month.
I am furnishing below the different months of Saka era with dates and
corresponding English month.
1 Chaitra 30/31 March 22*
2 Vaishakh 31 April 21
3 Jyaishtha 31 May 22
4 Ashadha 31 June 22
5 Shravana 31 July 23
6 Bhadrapada 31 August 23
7 Ashvina 30 September 23
8 Kartika 30 October 23
9 Agrahayana 30 November 22
10 Pausha 30 December 22
11 Magha 30 January 21
12 Phalguna 30 February 20
Here the number of days is very easy to recollect that first six months have 31
days and later six thirty days. In leap years, Chaitra has 31 days and starts on
March 21 instead. The months in the first half of the year all have 31 days, to
take into account the slower movement of the sun across the ecliptic at this
time. The names of the months are derived from older, Hindu lunisolar calendars.
These months too were taught to me by my father in boyhood days, but having
lesser use later forgot it.
days and later six thirty days. In leap years, Chaitra has 31 days and starts on
March 21 instead. The months in the first half of the year all have 31 days, to
take into account the slower movement of the sun across the ecliptic at this
time. The names of the months are derived from older, Hindu lunisolar calendars.
These months too were taught to me by my father in boyhood days, but having
lesser use later forgot it.
Now a day it has again coming to familiarity on Tharpanam days.
Years are counted in the Saka Era, which starts its YEAR 0 IN THE YEAR 78 OF THE
COMMON ERA. To determine leap years, add 78 to the Saka year - IF THE RESULT IS
A LEAP YEAR IN THE GREGORIAN CALENDAR, THEN THE SAKA YEAR IS A LEAP YEAR AS
WELL. Saka year is as such 1932. (Just verify calendar)
COMMON ERA. To determine leap years, add 78 to the Saka year - IF THE RESULT IS
A LEAP YEAR IN THE GREGORIAN CALENDAR, THEN THE SAKA YEAR IS A LEAP YEAR AS
WELL. Saka year is as such 1932. (Just verify calendar)
21 a Adoption
The calendar was introduced by the Calendar Reform Committee in 1957, as part of
the Indian Ephemeris and Nautical Almanac, which also contained other
astronomical data, as well as timings and formulae for preparing Hindu religious
calendars, in an attempt to harmonise this practice. Despite this effort, local
variations based on older sources such as the Surya Siddhanta may still exist.
the Indian Ephemeris and Nautical Almanac, which also contained other
astronomical data, as well as timings and formulae for preparing Hindu religious
calendars, in an attempt to harmonise this practice. Despite this effort, local
variations based on older sources such as the Surya Siddhanta may still exist.
21b Salivahana Era
The Shalivahana era, also known as the Saka era, is used with Hindu calendars,
the Indian national calendar, and the Cambodian Buddhist calendar. Its year zero
begins near the vernal equinox of the year CA 78.
the Indian national calendar, and the Cambodian Buddhist calendar. Its year zero
begins near the vernal equinox of the year CA 78.
The Satavahana king Shalivahana (the king titled as Shalivahana is Gautamiputra
Satakarni) is credited with the initiation of the era known as Shalivahana Saka
to celebrate his victory against the Sakas in the year 78AD.He was a Son of
Kumbhar (Potter) and hence called as Kumbhar Raja Shalivahana.
Satakarni) is credited with the initiation of the era known as Shalivahana Saka
to celebrate his victory against the Sakas in the year 78AD.He was a Son of
Kumbhar (Potter) and hence called as Kumbhar Raja Shalivahana.
22 Panchangam
The panchangam is a Hindu astrological almanac that follows traditional Indian
cosmology, and presents important astronomical data in tabulated form.
Panchangam means five limbs or five lights that influence every day.
cosmology, and presents important astronomical data in tabulated form.
Panchangam means five limbs or five lights that influence every day.
23 Vedic astrology
David Pingree notes that astrology and traditional medicine are the two
traditional sciences that have survived best in modern India, although both have
been much transformed by their western counterparts.
traditional sciences that have survived best in modern India, although both have
been much transformed by their western counterparts.
A number of Indian universities currently offer advanced degrees in Jyotisha,
including Benaras Hindu University.
including Benaras Hindu University.
24. Malayalam Calendar � Events linked with months
The Malayalam calendar, or Kolla varsham, was created in Kollam at meetings held
in the city in 825 AD. The name Kollam is believed to have been derived from the
Sanskrit word Kollam, meaning pepper.
in the city in 825 AD. The name Kollam is believed to have been derived from the
Sanskrit word Kollam, meaning pepper.
Many events in Kerala are related to the dates in the Malayalam calendar.
The agricultural activities of Kerala are centred around the seasons. The
Southwest monsoon which starts around June 1 is known as Edavappathi, meaning
mid-Edavam.
Southwest monsoon which starts around June 1 is known as Edavappathi, meaning
mid-Edavam.
The North east monsoon which starts during mid October is called thulavarsham
(rain in the month of thulam). The two harvests of paddy are called Kannikkoythu
and Makarakkoythu (harvests in the months kanni and makaram) respectively.
(rain in the month of thulam). The two harvests of paddy are called Kannikkoythu
and Makarakkoythu (harvests in the months kanni and makaram) respectively.
25. Tamil year
The Tamil calendar is used in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry in India, and by the
Tamil population in Malaysia, Singapore and Sri Lanka. It is used today for
cultural, religious and agricultural events, with the Gregorian calendar largely
used for official purposes both within and outside India
Tamil population in Malaysia, Singapore and Sri Lanka. It is used today for
cultural, religious and agricultural events, with the Gregorian calendar largely
used for official purposes both within and outside India
The Tamil New Year follows the nirayanam vernal equinox and generally falls on
13 or 14 April of the Gregorian year. 13 or 14 April marks the first day of the
traditional Tamil calendar.
13 or 14 April of the Gregorian year. 13 or 14 April marks the first day of the
traditional Tamil calendar.
Tamil calendar begins on the same date in April which is observed by most
traditional calendars of the rest of India - Assam, Bengal, Kerala, Orissa,
Manipur, Nepal, Punjab etc. The 60-year cycle is also very ancient and is
observed by most traditional calendars of India the traditional next new Tamil
year starts on 14 April 2011
traditional calendars of the rest of India - Assam, Bengal, Kerala, Orissa,
Manipur, Nepal, Punjab etc. The 60-year cycle is also very ancient and is
observed by most traditional calendars of India the traditional next new Tamil
year starts on 14 April 2011
25a Origin of Tamil New Year.
There are several references in early Tamil literature to the April new year.
Nakkirar, the author of the Nedunalvaadai writes in the 3rd century that the Sun
travels from Mesha/Chittierai through 11 successive Raasis or signs of the
zodiac. Kudalur Kizhar in the 3rd century refers to Mesha Raasi/Chitterai as the
commencement of the year in the Puranaanooru.
Nakkirar, the author of the Nedunalvaadai writes in the 3rd century that the Sun
travels from Mesha/Chittierai through 11 successive Raasis or signs of the
zodiac. Kudalur Kizhar in the 3rd century refers to Mesha Raasi/Chitterai as the
commencement of the year in the Puranaanooru.
The 8th century Silappadikaaram mentions the 12 Raasis or zodiac signs starting
with Mesha/Chitterai. The Manimekalai alludes to the Hindu solar calendar as we
know it today.
with Mesha/Chitterai. The Manimekalai alludes to the Hindu solar calendar as we
know it today.
I am listing below the Saka Era months, Tamil months, Malayalam months and
Common Era period
Common Era period
01. Chaitra Chittirai Metam mid-April to mid-May
02. Vaisakha Vaiksi Edavam mid-May to mid-June
03. Jyaishtha Aani Mithunam mid-June to mid-July
04. Ashada Aati karkitakam mid-July to mid-August
05. Shravaṇa Aavaṇi Chingam mid-August to mid-September
06. Bhadrapada Purattasi Kanni mid-September to mid-October
07. Ashwina Aippasi Thualm mid-October to mid-November
08. Karttika Karttikai Vrichikam mid-November to mid-December
09. Margasirsa Markazhi Dhanu mid-December to mid-January
10. Pausha/ Tai Makaram mid-January to mid-February
11. Magha Masi Kumbham mid-February to mid-March
12. Phalguna Pankuni Meenam mid-March to mid-April
26 Forth coming Tamil/ Saka New year names
1.Vikruthi 2010-2011 .
2. Kara 2011ï-2012
3.Nandhana 2012-013
4. Vijaya 2013-2014
5. Jaya 2014-2015
5. Jaya 2014-2015
I hope this will be use full for recollecting the years for forth coming
Tharpanas.
Tharpanas.
27. Importance of Months
Months of the Tamil Calendar have great significance and are deeply rooted in
the faith of the Tamil Hindus. Some months are considered very auspicious while
a few are considered inauspicious as well. It is generally told "Thai piranthal
Vazipirakkum".
the faith of the Tamil Hindus. Some months are considered very auspicious while
a few are considered inauspicious as well. It is generally told "Thai piranthal
Vazipirakkum".
Similarly karkitakam in kerala is some times called Panja karkitakam.
28. Current Tamil year
Tamil year is currently 1420. So Tamil Calendar has a base in Common Era 590.
Dear friends
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