Malayalam Calendar  [Kolla Varsham]

The Malayalam calendar is a sidereal solar calendar used in the South Indian state of Kerala. Just like the Gregorian Calendar, Malayalam Calendar also has twelve months. The following are the months in a Malayalam calender.
- Chingam
- Kanni
- Thulam
- Vrischikam
- Dhanu
- Makaram
- Kumbham
- Meenam
- Medam
- Edavam
- Midhunam
- Karkidakam

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

Chingam is the first month of the Malayalam Calendar. "Onam", the harvest festival, is one of the most important festivals of Kerala, is celebrated during the month of Chingam. This comes during August or September of Gregorian Calendar. The last month of the calendar ie., Karikdakam, is celebrated as Ramayanamasam.

The Malayalam Calendar 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.

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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