Thaipusam dedicated to Lord Subramanya is on February 1.
Fasting - Vavu - Pournami
Amavasya (Karutha Vavu) is on January 18Purnima or full moon day (Velutha Vavu) is on February 1
Ekadasi Fasting dates are January 29.
Pradosham dates are January 16 and January 30
Shasti fasting is on January 24
Makaram Masam: The Auspicious Sixth Month of the Malayalam Hindu Calendar
Makaram Masam, the sixth month in the traditional Malayalam Hindu calendar, holds a special place in the hearts of Kerala’s devotees. Spanning from mid-January to mid-February, this period marks a transition from the harvest season to the auspicious phase of Uttarayana, when the sun begins its northward journey. Rich in religious fervor and vibrant festivals, Makaram resonates with history, devotion, and communal harmony.
Meaning and Astrological Significance
The term “Makaram” corresponds to the zodiac sign Capricorn, symbolizing discipline, determination, and endurance. Astronomically, Makaram begins with the sun’s entry into Capricorn, signaling the onset of Uttarayana on January 14th or 15th each year. This solar shift is celebrated across India, but in Kerala, it gains unique expression through temple rituals and mass pilgrimages.
Religious Importance
Makaram Masam is revered as a month of spiritual upliftment. The transition of the sun into the northern hemisphere is believed to grant divine blessings, purify the mind, and accentuate the merits of religious observances. It is said that acts of charity, penance, and devotion performed during this period yield multiplied benefits. The month thus becomes a time for introspection, community service, and renewal of faith.
Major Festivals in Makaram Month
Makaravilakku and Sabarimala Pilgrimage
The most iconic event in Makaram is the Makaravilakku festival at Sabarimala. On January 14th or 15th, thousands of pilgrims climb the sacred hill to witness the Makara nakshatram and the divine light—Makaravilakku—shining thrice in the distant hill. This spectacle, believed to be a celestial manifestation of Lord Ayyappa, draws devotees from across India, culminating in joyous chants, deep gratitude, and a sense of unity.
Makara Chovva (First Tuesday of Makaram)
The first Tuesday in Makaram is celebrated as Makara Chovva, dedicated to Lord Subramanya. Devotees fast and visit Subramanya and other Murugan temples, seeking protection and success. Offerings of lemon and honey are common, symbolizing purity and sweetness of devotion.
Makara Bharani
Goddess Bhagavathi temples in Kerala observe Makara Bharani on the Bharani nakshatra (lunar mansion) day in Makaram. Elaborate rituals, special pujas, and traditional art performances like Theyyam or Thiruvathira are conducted. Devotees offer red flowers and pongal (sweet rice) to invoke the goddess’s blessings for prosperity and protection from evil forces.
Thaipusam
Although more prominent in Tamil Nadu, Thaipusam is fervently observed in Kerala’s Subramanya temples. Falling on the full moon day following Makara Sankranti, devotees undertake kavadi processions, carry milk pots, and pierce their bodies with vel-shaped skewers as acts of devotion. The festival honors Lord Subramanya’s victory over the demon Soorapadman, symbolizing the triumph of virtue over vice.
Temple Annual Festivals
Many Kerala temples schedule their annual festivals during Makaram to coincide with the month’s auspiciousness. These celebrations feature temple chariots (rathas), elephant pageantry, classical music and dance performances, and community feasts (annadanam). Villagers unite to decorate shrines, prepare prasadam, and share in the collective joy.
Fasting and Rituals
Devotees observe varied forms of fasting (vratham) during Makaram Masam. Some undertake partial fasts, consuming only fruits and milk, while others observe strict ekadashi-style fasts on designated days. Early morning oil baths, unbroken chanting of mantras like “Swamiye Saranam Ayyappa,” and daily visits to local shrines characterize personal discipline. Special lamp offerings (vilakku) and fire walking (theyyam in some regions) are ritual highlights, believed to purify both body and soul.
Pilgrimage Traditions
Beyond Sabarimala, pilgrims visit hill-top shrines like Panamaram Malabar Temple, Sarpa Kavu (snake groves) for serpent worship, and the famous Subramanya caves. Group treks through dense forests, carrying irumudi kettu (sacred bundles), echo age-old traditions of austerity. The shared hardship fosters camaraderie, transforming devotees into a single spiritual family.
Cultural Practices and Community Bonds
Makaram Masam also nurtures cultural expressions. Folk art forms such as Kathakali, Ottamthullal, and Mohiniyattam are performed in temple precincts. Villages organize sports events, boat races on rivers reflecting the clear skies of winter, and community kitchens where all are welcome. These gatherings reinforce social harmony, bridging caste and class divides in the spirit of shared devotion.
Other Significance and Observances
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Uttarayana Punyakal: The first 15 days of Uttarayana are considered the holiest; ancestors’ souls are believed to attain liberation if offerings are made during this span.
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Community Service (Seva): Many families and temples conduct mass feeding programs, distributing sweet pongal, rice, and fruits to the needy.
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Environmental Rituals: Some coastal communities hold river and beach clean-ups, offering gratitude to nature for sustaining life.
Makaram Masam weaves together celestial movements, deep-rooted beliefs, and vibrant festivals into a tapestry of devotion unique to Kerala’s Hindu culture. From the awe-inspiring Makaravilakku at Sabarimala to the serene observance of Makara Chovva, each day of this month calls devotees to introspection, community, and divine celebration. As the sun journeys northward, it ignites hope, dispels darkness, and reminds every observer that faith, like the seasons, renews itself with steadfast rhythm.