Chithirai

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Chithirai
Native nameChittirai
CalendarTamil calendar
Month number1
Number of days30 or 31
SeasonIla-venil (Spring)
Gregorian equivalentAprilMay
Significant days
← Panguni
Vaikasi →

Chithirai is the first month of the Tamil calendar.[1] The name of the month is derived from the position of the Moon near the Chittirai nakshatra (star) on the pournami (full moon) day.[2] The month corresponds to ila-venil (spring) season and falls in AprilMay in the Gregorian calendar.[3][4]

In the Hindu lunar calendar, it corresponds to the first month of Chaitra, falling in the Gregorian months of March–April.[4] In the Hindu solar calendar, it corresponds to the last month of Mina and begins with the Sun's entry into Pisces.[5] In the Vaishnav calendar, it corresponds to the first month of Visnu.[6][7]

Festivals

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The first day of the month is celebrated as the Tamil New Year's Day, known as Puthandu by the Tamils.[8]

Chitra Pournami is observed on the Pournami (full moon day) of the month. It is dedicated to Chitragupta, the divine accountant for Yama.[9] People take a holy bath in rivers or temple tanks on this day to cleanse the sins of the past.[10] Other rituals include special pujas to Indra, offerings of rice, and Kavadi Attam dedicated to Murugan. [11]

See also

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References

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