The first day of Chingam, the opening month of the Malayalam Calendar, marks the beginning of a brand-new year for Malayalees. On August 17, 2025, the calendar turns to Kollavarsham 1201, ushering in fresh hopes and new beginnings across Kerala and among Malayalees worldwide.
The Story of the Malayalam Calendar – Kollavarsham
The Malayalam Calendar, also known as Kollavarsham, is a solar calendar used in Kerala. It officially began in 825 CE, believed to coincide with the founding of the port city of Kollam (Quilon), a key hub of trade in that period. Unlike the Gregorian calendar, which is based on the tropical year (sun’s motion relative to the equinox), the Malayalam calendar follows the sidereal solar year (sun’s motion relative to fixed stars).
This makes it an agricultural calendar at its heart. Farmers, temples, astrologers, and cultural custodians of Kerala still rely on Kollavarsham to mark festivals, rituals, and agricultural activities.
Cultural Importance of Chingam 1
Chingam arrives as the southwest monsoon begins to recede. The air clears, the fields shine green, and it is a season of prosperity. Most significantly, Onam, Kerala’s greatest festival, is celebrated in Chingam. Chingam 1 itself is considered auspicious—families start new ventures, marriages are planned, and it marks a season of cultural vibrancy.
The Twelve Months of Kollavarsham
The Malayalam year consists of 12 months, each aligned with the sun’s movement through different zodiac signs:
-
Chingam (Aug–Sep) – New Year, Onam festival
-
Kanni (Sep–Oct) – Navaratri
-
Thulam (Oct–Nov) – Temple festivals, Thulapooja
-
Vrischikam (Nov–Dec) – Mandala season at Sabarimala
-
Dhanu (Dec–Jan) – Pilgrimage season
-
Makaram (Jan–Feb) – Harvest, Makara Sankranti
-
Kumbham (Feb–Mar) – Kumbha Bharani festival
-
Meenam (Mar–Apr) – Kodungallur Bharani
-
Medam (Apr–May) – Vishu festival
-
Edavam (May–Jun) – Monsoon begins
-
Mithunam (Jun–Jul) – Rainy season, farming activities
-
Karkidakam (Jul–Aug) – Ramayana Masam, Ayurvedic rejuvenation
Kollavarsham 1201 Calendar (August 2025 – August 2026)
| Month (Malayalam) | Gregorian Equivalent (2025–2026) | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Chingam | Aug 17 – Sep 16, 2025 | Onam, New Year |
| Kanni | Sep 17 – Oct 16, 2025 | Navaratri |
| Thulam | Oct 17 – Nov 15, 2025 | Temple rituals |
| Vrischikam | Nov 16 – Dec 15, 2025 | Mandala season begins |
| Dhanu | Dec 16, 2025 – Jan 13, 2026 | Pilgrimage season peak |
| Makaram | Jan 14 – Feb 12, 2026 | Makara Sankranti |
| Kumbham | Feb 13 – Mar 14, 2026 | Kumbha Bharani |
| Meenam | Mar 15 – Apr 13, 2026 | Kodungallur Bharani |
| Medam | Apr 14 – May 14, 2026 | Vishu |
| Edavam | May 15 – Jun 14, 2026 | Monsoon onset |
| Mithunam | Jun 15 – Jul 16, 2026 | Farming activities |
| Karkidakam | Jul 17 – Aug 16, 2026 | Ramayana Masam |
Looking Ahead
As Malayalees step into Kollavarsham 1201, the Malayalam calendar once again proves its timeless relevance. It isn’t just a way of marking days, but a rhythm of life woven into Kerala’s fields, festivals, and faith. From the rain-soaked Karkidakam to the festive cheer of Chingam, it is a journey through seasons of devotion, harvest, and celebration.
Here’s wishing everyone a prosperous and joyous Malayalam New Year—Chingam 1, Kollavarsham 1201!