Malayalam calendar

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The Malayalam calendar is a sidereal solar calendar used in the South Indian state of Kerala. It has twelve months:

Chingam. "Onam", the most important festival of Kerala, is celebrated during this month. This comes during August or September of Gregorian Calendar.
Kanni
Thulam
Vrischikam. The famous "Sabarimala" temple in Kerala is opened for devotees on the first day of this month for a period of two months. This period is called "Mandalakkaalam"
Dhanu
Makaram
Kumbham
Meenam
Medam
Edavam
Midhunam
Karkidakam. The last month, it is celebrated as Ramayanamasam.

The months are named after the constellations in which the Sun is seen during the period. Thus Chingom (from Simham or Lion) is named after the constellation Leo.

The Malayalam era called KollaVarsham (or Kollam era) was established in 825 CE. Some historians attribute the founding of this era to King Udaya Marthanda Varma, King of Venad.

Interestingly parts of central Kerala consider Medam as the start of the year cycle. The Vishu festival signifies the start of the new year comes generally in middle of April.

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