Chithirai
title: "Chithirai" type: doc version: 1 created: 2026-02-28 author: "Wikipedia contributors" status: active scope: public tags: ["months-of-the-tamil-calendar"] topic_path: "general/months-of-the-tamil-calendar" source: "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chithirai" license: "CC BY-SA 4.0" wikipedia_page_id: 0 wikipedia_revision_id: 0
::data[format=table title="Infobox month"]
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| native_name | Chittirai |
| calendar | Tamil calendar |
| num | 1 |
| days | 30 or 31 |
| season | Ila-venil (Spring) |
| gregorian | April–May |
| holidays | |
| prev_month | Panguni |
| next_month | Vaikasi |
| :: |
| image = | alt = | caption = | native_name = Chittirai | calendar = Tamil calendar | num = 1 | days = 30 or 31 | season = Ila-venil (Spring) | gregorian = April–May | holidays = | prev_month = Panguni | next_month = Vaikasi Chithirai is the first month of the Tamil calendar. The name of the month is derived from the position of the Moon near the Chittirai nakshatra (star) on the pournami (full moon) day. The month corresponds to ila-venil (spring) season and falls in April–May in the Gregorian calendar.
In the Hindu lunar calendar, it corresponds to the first month of Chaitra, falling in the Gregorian months of March–April. In the Hindu solar calendar, it corresponds to the first month of Mesha and begins with the Sun's entry into Aries. In the Vaishnav calendar, it corresponds to the first month of Visnu.
Festivals
The first day of the month is celebrated as the Tamil New Year's Day, known as Puthandu by the Tamils.
Chitra Pournami is observed on the Pournami (full moon day) of the month. It is dedicated to Chitragupta, the divine accountant for Yama. People take a holy bath in rivers or temple tanks on this day to cleanse the sins of the past. Other rituals include special pujas to Indra, offerings of rice, and Kavadi Attam dedicated to Murugan.
References
References
- "Tamil Calendar – Months". Time and Date.
- Garima Garg. (2022). "Heavens and Earth: The Story of Astrology Through Ages and Cultures". [[Penguin Random House]].
- Martha Ann Selby. (2003). "The Circle of Six Seasons".
- (1989). "The Siddhantas and the Indian Calendar". [[Asian Educational Services]].
- "Hindu Panchang". Hindu Net.
- "Vaisnava Calendar Reminder Services – About Calendar". Vaisnava Calendar.
- "Something about the Vaisnava Calendar". ISVARA.
- (13 April 2025). "Puthandu 2025: Know the date, history, significance, celebrations of Tamil New Year". [[The Indian Express]].
- (18 Apr 2013). "Chitra Pournami". South Indian Society.
- "Why Is Chitra Pournami Celebrated?". Astro Ulagam.
- (23 April 2024). "Chitra Pournami: Embracing Divine Blessings". Varnam Malaysia.
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