Panchangam: A Guide to Tamil Calendar, Dates, and Auspicious Timings

Introduction

The Tamil calendar, known as Tamil Panchangam, is an integral part of Tamil culture and traditions. It is widely used in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and by Tamil communities in Malaysia and Singapore to plan and schedule important events and timings. This article provides a comprehensive guide to Tamil Panchangam, including its origin, structure, features, and significance.

Key Features of Tamil Panchangam

• Follows the lunisolar system, which incorporates both solar and lunar cycles.
• Divided into 12 months, each with approximately 30 days.
• Each month is named after a constellation (Nakshatra) and further divided into two fortnights (Paksha).
• Includes information on auspicious dates and times for various events, such as weddings, festivals, and ceremonies.

Structure and Components of Tamil Panchangam

Tamil Panchangam consists of various components that provide information about specific timings and events:

1. Daily Sheet

Provides details for a particular day, including:

• Day of the week
• Corresponding Tamil month and date
• Nakshatra (constellation)
• Thithi (lunar phase)
• Yoga (planetary combination)
• Karana (half of the lunar day)
• Varjyam (prohibited period)
• Rahukalam (inauspicious period)
• Nalla Neram (auspicious time)

2. Monthly Calendar

Displays information for an entire month, including:

• Tamil month name
• Corresponding English month
• Start and end dates
• List of auspicious dates and times for various events
• Festivals and holidays observed during the month
• Government holidays

3. Muhurtham Dates

Provides a list of dates that are considered auspicious for special events, such as:

• Weddings
• Housewarming ceremonies
• Business ventures

4. Amavasai and Pournami Dates

Indicates the dates of the new moon (Amavasai) and full moon (Pournami), which are significant in Hindu religious practices.

5. Chaturthi Dates

Lists the dates of the fourth day after the new moon or full moon, which are considered auspicious for certain rituals and ceremonies.

Significance of Tamil Panchangam

Tamil Panchangam holds great importance in the lives of Tamil people, guiding their daily activities and major life events:

• Planning auspicious dates for weddings, festivals, and religious ceremonies
• Identifying inauspicious periods and avoiding them for important tasks
• Making decisions related to farming, business, and travel
• Choosing favorable dates for starting new ventures or making significant purchases
• Understanding the lunar and solar cycles and their astrological implications