adminTamil Calendar In July 2024
As someone who has grown up in Tamil Nadu, I have always been fascinated by the rich cultural traditions of my community. One of the ways in which we celebrate our heritage is by following the Tamil calendar, which is a solar and lunar calendar that has been in use for centuries. In this article, I will be sharing my personal experience of celebrating the Tamil calendar in July 2024, and providing a detailed guide to the festivals and events that take place during this time.
Understanding the Tamil Calendar
The Tamil calendar is a complex system that is based on both solar and lunar cycles, and is used to determine auspicious times for important events such as weddings, housewarming ceremonies and religious festivals. It is divided into 12 months, each of which is named after a star or constellation. The month of July falls in the Tamil month of Aadi, which is associated with the star Ashadha.
Significance of Aadi Month
The month of Aadi is considered to be a very auspicious time in the Tamil calendar, as it is believed to be the time when the sun begins its ascent towards the northern hemisphere. It is also associated with the monsoon season, which brings much-needed relief to the parched earth and is therefore seen as a time of renewal and rejuvenation.
Festivals and Events in July 2024
There are several festivals and events that take place in Tamil Nadu during the month of Aadi. Here are some of the most important ones:
- Aadi Perukku
- Aadi Amavasai
- Aadi Pooram
- Aadi Pournami
Aadi Perukku
Aadi Perukku is a festival that is celebrated on the 18th day of the month of Aadi, and is dedicated to the rivers of Tamil Nadu. It is believed that during this time, the rivers are at their fullest and most powerful, and therefore it is a time to offer prayers and thanks to these life-giving waters. People also take dips in the rivers and offer flowers, fruits and coconuts as offerings.
Aadi Amavasai
Aadi Amavasai, also known as the new moon day of Aadi, is a time when people pay their respects to their ancestors. It is believed that during this time, the spirits of the dead are more active and therefore it is important to offer prayers and perform rituals to appease them. People visit temples and offer food and other offerings to their ancestors.
Aadi Pooram
Aadi Pooram is a festival that is dedicated to the goddess Meenakshi, who is the presiding deity of the Madurai temple. It is celebrated on the day when the star Pooram coincides with the month of Aadi. The festival is marked by elaborate processions, music and dance performances, and the offering of food and other offerings to the goddess.
Aadi Pournami
Aadi Pournami is a festival that is celebrated on the full moon day of Aadi, and is dedicated to the goddess Parvati. It is believed that during this time, the goddess is at her most powerful and therefore it is important to offer prayers and perform rituals to appease her. People visit temples and offer food and other offerings to the goddess.
Question and Answer
Q: How is the Tamil calendar different from the Gregorian calendar?
A: The Tamil calendar is a solar and lunar calendar that is based on both astronomical calculations and traditional practices. It is different from the Gregorian calendar, which is a purely solar calendar that is based on the Earth’s revolution around the sun.
Q: Why is the month of Aadi considered to be an auspicious time in the Tamil calendar?
A: The month of Aadi is considered to be an auspicious time in the Tamil calendar because it is associated with the monsoon season, which brings much-needed relief to the parched earth and is therefore seen as a time of renewal and rejuvenation.
FAQs
Q: What is the significance of the festival of Aadi Perukku?
A: Aadi Perukku is a festival that is dedicated to the rivers of Tamil Nadu, and is celebrated on the 18th day of the month of Aadi. It is believed that during this time, the rivers are at their fullest and most powerful, and therefore it is a time to offer prayers and thanks to these life-giving waters.
Q: What is the significance of the festival of Aadi Amavasai?
A: Aadi Amavasai, also known as the new moon day of Aadi, is a time when people pay their respects to their ancestors. It is believed that during this time, the spirits of the dead are more active and therefore it is important to offer prayers and perform rituals to appease them.
Q: What is the significance of the festival of Aadi Pooram?
A: Aadi Pooram is a festival that is dedicated to the goddess Meenakshi, who is the presiding deity of the Madurai temple. It is celebrated on the day when the star Pooram coincides with the month of Aadi. The festival is marked by elaborate processions, music and dance performances, and the offering of food and other offerings to the goddess.
Q: What is the significance of the festival of Aadi Pournami?
A: Aadi Pournami is a festival that is celebrated on the full moon day of Aadi, and is dedicated to the goddess Parvati. It is believed that during this time, the goddess is at her most powerful and therefore it is important to offer prayers and perform rituals to appease her.