The Tamil calendar, an essential aspect of Tamil culture, plays a vital role in the daily lives of Tamil-speaking people worldwide. It is not only a tool for tracking days and months but also a guide to cultural, religious, and agricultural activities. The Tamil Calendar 2024 is packed with festivals, holidays, and significant events that reflect the rich traditions and heritage of Tamil Nadu. In this article, we will explore the details of the Tamil calendar for 2024, providing a complete guide to all the important events and holidays.
Details About Tamil Calendar 2024
The Tamil calendar is a sidereal Hindu calendar used by Tamil people across the world. It consists of twelve months and is used for religious, agricultural, and cultural events. The year 2024 in the Tamil calendar starts with the month of Chithirai and ends with Panguni. Each month has its own significance, marked by various festivals and rituals.
Calendar
Below is a detailed table listing the important events and holidays in the Tamil calendar for 2024:
Month | Date | Event/Holiday |
Chithirai | April 14 | Tamil New Year (Puthandu) |
Vaikasi | May 15 | Vaikasi Visakam |
Aani | June 22 | Aani Uthiram |
Aadi | July 17 | Aadi Perukku |
Aavani | August 28 | Krishna Jayanthi |
Purattasi | October 2 | Mahalaya Amavasai |
Aippasi | October 24 | Deepavali |
Karthigai | November 23 | Karthigai Deepam |
Margazhi | December 16 | Arudra Darshan |
Thai | January 14 | Pongal |
Maasi | February 22 | Maha Shivaratri |
Panguni | March 25 | Panguni Uthiram |
Specific Details about All Events/Holidays
Tamil New Year (Puthandu) – April 14
Puthandu, also known as Tamil New Year, is celebrated on the first day of Chithirai. It marks the beginning of the Tamil calendar year. Traditionally, people clean their homes, prepare a special feast, and visit temples to seek blessings for the new year.
Vaikasi Visakam – May 15
Vaikasi Visakam is an important festival celebrating the birth of Lord Murugan. Devotees visit Murugan temples, participate in special prayers, and carry out processions.
Aani Uthiram – June 22
Aani Uthiram is dedicated to Lord Nataraja, a form of Lord Shiva. Special abhishekams and rituals are performed in Shiva temples, especially in Chidambaram.
Aadi Perukku – July 17
Aadi Perukku is a unique festival dedicated to the river Cauvery. People celebrate by preparing special dishes and visiting riverbanks to offer prayers for prosperity and good rainfall.
Krishna Jayanthi – August 28
Krishna Jayanthi, also known as Janmashtami, marks the birth of Lord Krishna. Devotees fast, sing devotional songs, and reenact scenes from Krishna’s life.
Mahalaya Amavasai – October 2
Mahalaya Amavasai is observed by performing rituals to honor ancestors. Special ceremonies are conducted on this new moon day in the month of Purattasi.
Deepavali – October 24
Deepavali, the festival of lights, is celebrated with great enthusiasm. It signifies the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. People light lamps, burst fireworks, and share sweets.
Karthigai Deepam – November 23
Karthigai Deepam is a festival of lights celebrated in Tamil Nadu. Oil lamps are lit in homes and temples, and special prayers are offered to Lord Murugan and Lord Shiva.
Arudra Darshan – December 16
Arudra Darshan is dedicated to Lord Nataraja and celebrates his cosmic dance. Special rituals and processions are held in Shiva temples, particularly in Chidambaram.
Pongal – January 14
Pongal is a major harvest festival celebrated over four days. It includes Bhogi, Thai Pongal, Mattu Pongal, and Kaanum Pongal, each day having its own significance and rituals.
Maha Shivaratri – February 22
Maha Shivaratri is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Devotees observe fasting and stay awake all night, offering prayers and performing abhishekams to Shiva lingams.
Panguni Uthiram – March 25
Panguni Uthiram is a significant festival for Lord Murugan and Lord Shiva. It marks the celestial marriages of Shiva-Parvati and Murugan-Deivanai. Devotees celebrate with rituals and processions.
The Tamil Calendar 2024 is filled with an array of festivals and holidays that celebrate the rich cultural and religious heritage of Tamil Nadu. Each event carries its own significance, offering an opportunity for Tamil people to connect with their traditions and spirituality. Whether it is the grandeur of Pongal or the serenity of Maha Shivaratri, the Tamil calendar provides a vibrant tapestry of celebrations throughout the year.
FAQ
What is the significance of the Tamil New Year (Puthandu)?
Tamil New Year, or Puthandu, marks the beginning of the Tamil calendar year. It is celebrated with traditional rituals, feasts, and temple visits to seek blessings for the new year.
When is Deepavali celebrated in 2024 according to the Tamil calendar?
Deepavali is celebrated on October 24, 2024, according to the Tamil calendar.
What is the importance of Pongal in the Tamil calendar?
Pongal is a major harvest festival celebrated over four days, honoring the Sun God and marking the beginning of the Tamil month Thai. It includes rituals that express gratitude for a bountiful harvest.
How is Aadi Perukku celebrated?
Aadi Perukku is celebrated by preparing special dishes and offering prayers to the river Cauvery, seeking prosperity and good rainfall.
What is special about Karthigai Deepam?
Karthigai Deepam is a festival of lights where oil lamps are lit in homes and temples. It is especially significant for devotees of Lord Murugan and Lord Shiva.
This comprehensive guide to the Tamil Calendar 2024 highlights the cultural richness and traditional fervor of Tamil Nadu, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in Tamil festivals and holidays.