Kollavarsham കൊല്ലവർഷം

Counting the years

The era began in 825 CE and is linked to the city of Kollam. The year number changes on Chingam 1, in mid-August. To convert, subtract 824 from the English year for dates between Chingam 1 and 31 December, and 825 for dates from 1 January until the day before the next Chingam 1. For example, 23 September 2026 is in ME 1202, and 1 March 2027 is still in ME 1202.

A solar calendar

Unlike the lunar calendars used across much of north India, Kollavarsham months follow the Sun. A month begins when the Sun moves into the next sidereal zodiac sign, an event called sankramam. Because the Sun moves at slightly different speeds through the year, months run from 29 to 32 days. There are no leap months.

The twelve months

Chingam (Leo), Kanni (Virgo), Thulam (Libra), Vrischikam (Scorpio), Dhanu (Sagittarius), Makaram (Capricorn), Kumbham (Aquarius), Meenam (Pisces), Medam (Aries), Edavam (Taurus), Mithunam (Gemini) and Karkidakam (Cancer). Each carries its own seasons and customs, such as Onam in Chingam, the Sabarimala season from Vrischikam, Vishu at the start of Medam and Ramayana Masam in Karkidakam.

The three-fifths rule

In Kerala, if the sankramam happens after three-fifths of the daytime has passed, the new month starts on the following day. That is why a month can begin a day later in the Malayalam calendar than in the Tamil calendar.

Month start dates

Kollavarsham 1202

Kollavarsham 1203

Also see the Malayalam date converter and how we calculate.