Chithirai Month 2012 – Tamil Chithirai Masam in Traditional Calendar in Tamil Nadu

Chithirai is the first month in a traditional Tamil Calendar followed in Tamil Nadu. The first day or Chithirai 1 is observed as New Year by many Hindu Tamil communities. Chithirai Month in 2012 begins on April 13 and ends on May 13. Some of the important and auspicious days in the month include Chithirai festival at Madurai Meenakshi Temple and Pournami.

Note – The previous DMK government of Tamil Nadu through a legislation had made Thai (January - February) the first month and Pongal the New Year but many Hindu communities still follow Chithirai as the first month. This legislation was cancelled by the next government that came into power.

Chithirai Pournami and Amavasai

Chithirai Amavasai is on April 21, 2012. The Amavasi begins at 09:59 AM on April 20 and ends at 11:47 AM on April 21. (Indian Standard Time).

Pournami, or full moon day, in Chithirai month is on May 6, 2012. The Pournami begins at 11:50 AM on May 5 and ends at 9:24 AM on May 6 (Indian Standard Time).

Thirukkalyanam or Celestial Wedding Festival at Madurai Meenakshi Temple which is known as Chithirai festival is held in this month.

Festival and Auspicious dates in Chithirai Month 2012

• Sashti – April 27
• Chithirai Pournami – May 6
• Pillayar Sankatahara Chaturthi is on May 9.

The next month in Tamil Calendar is the Vaigasi Masam.