Tamil Calendar

How these are worked out

The Tamil calendar is solar: a month begins when the Sun moves into the next sign of the zodiac. We calculate the Sun's position astronomically (with the Lahiri ayanamsa) for Chennai, and begin the month on that day if the change happens before sunset. Traditional Vakya panchangams, which many temples and families in Tamil Nadu follow, sometimes begin a month a day later, so the date here can be one day ahead of theirs in some months.

Rahu kalam, Yamagandam and Kuligai each take one eighth of the daytime, which depends on the weekday. They are calculated from the actual sunrise and sunset in the city you choose, so they shift a little through the year. For weddings, griha pravesam and other important muhurthams, please consult your family priest or panchangam. Nalla neram and daily panchangam details (thithi, nakshatram) are coming later.