The Malayalam New Year is here! It is a day of celebrations in God’s Own Country. August 17 marks the first day of the traditional Malayalam calendar, also known as Chingam 1.
‘Chingam’ is the first month of the Malayalam calendar that ends on September 16 and is followed by the majestic festival of Kerala, Onam. The Malayalam calendar ends with ‘Karkidakam’, the final month of the year. August 17, 2023, as the Malayalam year marks the beginning of ‘Kollavarsham 1199’ as per the Malayalam calendar.
Malayalam New Year ‘Chingam’ 1
‘Chingam’ 1 is an occasion for new beginnings, fresh starts, and positive changes. It’s a time wherein Malayalis get together, exchange greetings, and engage in various cultural and religious activities. On this day, begins the harvest season in Kerala. It is a time for farmers to rejoice and express gratitude for a successful harvest.
Chingam 1 is also believed to be an optimistic day according to Hindu astrology. It is said that on this day when the sun moves into the zodiac sign of Leo (Simha Rashi), it brings an end to the monsoon season and commences the beginning of brighter days.
Malayalam New Year: Quotes & Wishes
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May this Malayalam New Year bring you joy, prosperity, and success. May your days be filled with happiness and your heart be full of hope. Wishing you a wonderful year ahead filled with love and laughter. Happy Malayalam New Year!
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Embrace the beauty of new beginnings as you step into the Malayalam New Year. May this year bring you endless opportunities and precious moments.
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May the spirit of togetherness and the joy of celebrations fill your heart this Malayalam New Year. Wishing you a year of unity, love, and fulfillment.
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Just as the sun rises on a new day, let the Malayalam New Year mark the beginning of a bright and promising chapter in your life.
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With the arrival of the Malayalam New Year, may your life be painted with vibrant colors of happiness, peace, and prosperity.
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Let the traditions of the Malayalam New Year remind us of the importance of family, culture, and the beauty of sharing love and blessings.
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As you celebrate the Malayalam New Year, may you find the strength to overcome challenges, the courage to chase your dreams, and the wisdom to cherish every moment.
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On this Malayalam New Year, may your heart be filled with gratitude for the past and excitement for the future. Wishing you a year of abundance and love.
‘Chingam’ 1 Celebrations
The festival is celebrated by Keralites concurrently despite different casts and religions. This is the time for sports and celebrations in the state. Living in the area covered with backwaters, lakes, and canals, the people of Kerala take their boats and country crafts to celebrate the occasion. This month also sets the stage for the ten-day Onam festival which culminates on August 31, 2023. It includes a few prominent celebrations which are:
Sadya
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A luxurious feast known as the ‘Sadya’ is served in every Malayali’s house. The ‘Sadya’ is a grand, multi-course vegetarian meal served on a banana leaf, containing a variety of Kerala dishes. It includes
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Sambhar
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Mor Curry
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Kalan
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Thoran
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Olan
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Erissery
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Upperi
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Puli Inji
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Payasam
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Pookalam
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A ‘Pookalam’ is the most vital part of this festival. It is a rangoli which is made out of flowers. The rangoli made on the first day of Onam is known as ‘Athapoo.’ Similarly, different designs of rangolis are made using a wide variety of flowers.
Pulikali
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This celebration is usually practiced on the fourth day of the Onam festival. Here, artists paint their bodies into tiger stripes and dance to the beat of the ‘Chenda’.
Vallamkali
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This is the most fun to watch. If you are an individual visiting Kerala anytime soon, then don’t miss this. This is the most famous Boat Race, which is one of the most popular attractions of Kerala.
Chingam 1 is a time of new beginnings and is associated with prosperity and good fortune. People celebrate the occasion by wearing new clothes, offering prayers at temples, visiting family and friends, and enjoying traditional feasts.
The day holds cultural and religious significance. This is the time when people celebrate, rejoice and harvest.