Malayalam Calendar 2023: A Comprehensive Guide
A Personal Experience
As someone who grew up in Kerala, I have fond memories of the Malayalam calendar. It’s a vital part of our culture, and I remember my parents consulting it regularly to plan events and festivals. Even though I don’t live in Kerala anymore, I still follow the Malayalam calendar to stay connected to my roots.
What is the Malayalam Calendar?
The Malayalam calendar, also known as Kollavarsham, is a solar calendar used in the Indian state of Kerala. It’s based on the position of the sun, and each year has 12 months. The months are named after stars, and each month is divided into two halves – Paksha.
What are the Key Features of the Malayalam Calendar 2023?
The Malayalam calendar for the year 2023 starts on April 14th, 2023, and ends on April 1st, 2024. Some of the key features of the calendar include:
- The year 2023 is named Plava
- There are 12 months in the calendar, starting with Medam and ending with Meenam
- The calendar uses a 60-year cycle, and 2023 is part of the cycle’s 30th year
World Events and Festivals
The Malayalam calendar is full of events and festivals that are celebrated throughout the year. Some of the notable ones in 2023 are:
- Vishu (April 14th, 2023) – This is the start of the new year according to the Malayalam calendar. It’s a time for new beginnings, and people celebrate by wearing new clothes, making traditional dishes, and lighting lamps.
- Onam (August 21st, 2023) – Onam is one of the biggest festivals in Kerala, and it’s celebrated to commemorate the homecoming of the mythical King Mahabali. People decorate their homes with flowers, make traditional dishes, and participate in cultural events.
- Navaratri (October 5th – 14th, 2023) – Navaratri is a nine-day festival that celebrates the triumph of good over evil. It’s celebrated with music, dance, and the worship of Goddess Durga.
List of Events and Festivals
Here’s a list of all the events and festivals in the Malayalam calendar for the year 2023:
- Vishu – April 14th, 2023
- Chithira – April 15th to May 14th, 2023
- Vaishakam – May 15th to June 14th, 2023
- Edavam – June 15th to July 14th, 2023
- Mithunam – July 15th to August 14th, 2023
- Karkidakam – August 15th to September 14th, 2023
- Chingam – September 15th to October 14th, 2023
- Kanni – October 15th to November 14th, 2023
- Thulam – November 15th to December 14th, 2023
- Vrischikam – December 15th, 2023 to January 13th, 2024
- Dhanu – January 14th to February 12th, 2024
- Makaram – February 13th to April 1st, 2024
Question & Answer
Q: How is the Malayalam calendar different from other calendars?
A: The Malayalam calendar is based on the position of the sun, while other calendars like the Gregorian calendar are based on the movement of the earth around the sun. Additionally, the Malayalam calendar has months named after stars, while other calendars use different naming conventions.
Q: What is the significance of Vishu in the Malayalam calendar?
A: Vishu marks the start of the new year in the Malayalam calendar, and it’s a time to celebrate new beginnings. People wear new clothes, make traditional dishes, and light lamps to welcome prosperity and good fortune.
Q: What is Onam, and why is it important?
A: Onam is one of the biggest festivals in Kerala, and it’s celebrated to commemorate the homecoming of the mythical King Mahabali. It’s a time for people to come together, decorate their homes with flowers, make traditional dishes, and participate in cultural events.
Q: What is Navaratri, and how is it celebrated?
A: Navaratri is a nine-day festival that celebrates the triumph of good over evil. It’s celebrated with music, dance, and the worship of Goddess Durga. People also fast during this period and break their fast with special dishes on the final day of the festival.