Malayalam Kollavarsham 1201 Begins – Malayalam New Year on Sunday, August 17, 2025
Malayalam Kollavarsham 1201, popularly known as Chingam 1 or Malayalam New Year, will be celebrated on Sunday, August 17, 2025. This auspicious day marks the beginning of the Kollam Era (Kollavarsham) in Kerala and holds immense cultural, religious, and agricultural significance. It is the start of the month of Chingam, the first month in the Malayalam calendar, and a time of joy, prosperity, and spiritual reflection for Malayalis across the world.
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Historical Background of Kollavarsham
The Kollavarsham (Kollam Era) began in 825 CE in the port city of Kollam (Quilon), Kerala. The calendar system is based on solar calculations, with its months closely aligned to the sidereal zodiac. The Malayalam calendar was traditionally used for agricultural planning, astrological calculations, and religious observances in Kerala. Over the centuries, it became deeply intertwined with the state’s cultural identity.
Historians believe that the Kollam Era may have been introduced to commemorate the foundation of the port city of Kollam or to mark a significant political or astronomical event during the rule of the Chera dynasty.
Significance of Malayalam New Year
For Malayalis, Chingam 1 is not merely a change of date—it is a symbol of fresh beginnings, optimism, and blessings. The day is believed to be auspicious for starting new ventures, buying property, and making important decisions.
Key aspects of its significance include:
- Religious Importance – Temples across Kerala, especially Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram and other prominent shrines, witness special pujas and rituals.
- Agricultural Connection – Chingam marks the beginning of the harvest season, following the heavy monsoon months.
- Astrological Value – Astrologers consider the start of Chingam as a favorable time for marriage ceremonies, housewarming functions, and business inaugurations.
Malayalam New Year 2025 Date and Timings
- Event: Malayalam New Year / Chingam 1
- Malayalam Kollavarsham: 1201 Begins
- Date: Sunday, August 17, 2025
- Significance: First day of Chingam month, start of Kollavarsham year
- Puja & Auspicious Muhurat: Morning hours are considered highly favorable for prayers and blessings
Traditions and Celebrations
The Malayalam New Year is celebrated with simplicity yet deep cultural devotion. Some of the most common traditions include:
1. Temple Visits
Devotees begin the day by visiting temples to seek divine blessings. Special pujas, abhishekams, and alankarams are conducted in temples across Kerala.
2. Exchange of Greetings
Families, friends, and communities exchange “Puthandu Ashamsakal” (Malayalam New Year greetings). Elders bless the younger generation with wishes for prosperity and good health.
3. Festive Meals
While it is not as grand as Onam, many families prepare a mini-sadya (traditional Kerala feast) with rice, sambar, thoran, avial, pickles, and payasam.
4. Cultural Events
Local cultural organizations often hold music and dance performances, traditional games, and art exhibitions to mark the day.
Agricultural and Economic Relevance
In rural Kerala, Chingam 1 is seen as the start of the agricultural year. Farmers often begin sowing seeds for the next cycle, and agricultural fairs are held in certain regions. Businesses also consider this an ideal time to launch new ventures due to the belief in subha muhurtham (auspicious timing).
Association with Other Kerala Festivals
The Malayalam New Year falls just before Onam, Kerala’s most famous festival. The arrival of Chingam heralds the festive season in the state, and preparations for Onam begin soon after.
Popular Greetings for Malayalam New Year
Here are some common greetings you can share:
- “Puthandu Ashamsakal!” – Wishing you a Happy Malayalam New Year!
- “Chingam 1-inte Ashamsakal” – Best wishes on Chingam 1!
- “May Kollavarsham 1201 bring joy, prosperity, and success to your life.”
Malayalam Calendar Months
The Malayalam calendar consists of 12 months:
- Chingam
- Kanni
- Thulam
- Vrischikam
- Dhanu
- Makaram
- Kumbham
- Meenam
- Medam
- Edavam
- Mithunam
- Karkidakam
Vishu vs Malayalam Kollavarsham
While Vishu and the Malayalam Kollavarsham New Year (Chingam 1) are both celebrated in Kerala, they mark different occasions in the Malayalam calendar. Vishu, usually falling on April 14 or 15, signifies the astronomical New Year based on the sun’s transit into the Medam month and is associated with the harvest season, prosperity rituals, and the iconic Vishukkani viewing at dawn. Malayalam Kollavarsham New Year, on the other hand, begins on Chingam 1 (mid-August) and marks the start of the Kollam Era’s new year, historically linked to the establishment of the port city of Kollam in 825 CE. While Vishu focuses on agrarian abundance and visual symbolism, Chingam 1 emphasizes cultural, agricultural, and astrological beginnings for the year ahead.
Conclusion
The Malayalam Kollavarsham 1201 beginning on Sunday, August 17, 2025, is not just the start of a new year—it is a time for hope, cultural pride, and spiritual renewal for the people of Kerala. It blends centuries-old traditions with modern-day enthusiasm, reminding every Malayali of their rich heritage.
As Chingam 1 dawns, let us welcome the year with faith, joy, and gratitude.
