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

1. Chingam. "Onam", the most important festival of Kerala, is celebrated during this month. This comes during August or September of Gregorian Calendar.
2. Kanni
3. Thulam
4. 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"
5. Dhanu
6. Makaram
7. Kumbham
8. Meenam
9. Medam
10. Edavam
11. Midhunam
12. Karkidakam. The last month, it is celebrated as Ramayanamasam.

The months

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.

See also

• Hindu calendar
• Bengali calendar