It's New year in Kerala - Chingam Onnu!


Chingam 1 or Chingam month 1 or the first day of Chingam month is the Malayalam New Year Day. In Malayalam calendar, New Year almanac (Kolla varsham) begins on Chingam 1. Chingam 1 2011 date is August 17. Chingam Month 1 marks the transition of Sun to Chingam rasi or Simha rasi (Leo zodiac) from Karkidakam rasi or Karka rasi (Cancer zodiac). As per Malayalam calendar, Chingam 1 in 2011-2012 marks the beginning of Kollavarsham 1187 of Malayalam year. Chingam 1 is also known as Simha Sankranti.

Onam or Thiruvonam is the biggest festival celebrated in Chingam month and it is also the biggest of all Kerala festivals. Malayalam calendar is the only calendar which celebrated its New Year in rainy season i.e. in August.

Chingam 1 is celebrated with much gusto in all temples of Kerala and all over world where Malayalis live in large numbers. Many cultural organizations conduct special programs displaying the legends of Malayalam New Year.


I wish you all a fantastic day!