The Ultimate Guide to Malayalam Calendar 2025
Comprehensive details on Kollavarsham 1200-1201, Nakshatras, Thithi, and Kerala Government Holidays.
Understanding the Kerala Solar Calendar
The Malayalam Calendar 2025 is an essential tool for Malayalees worldwide, bridging the gap between the modern Gregorian system and the traditional Solar Calendar used in Kerala for centuries. The year 2025 is significant as it witnesses the transition from Kollavarsham 1200 (which ends in mid-August) to the new era of Kollavarsham 1201.
Unlike the lunar calendars used in North India, the Malayalam calendar is Solar (Sidereal). This means dates are calculated based on the Sun's transit through the 12 Zodiac signs (Rashi), starting from Medam (Aries) and ending in Meenam (Pisces). This digital tool accurately calculates these transitions (Sankranthi) to provide you with the precise Malayalam date for every day of 2025.
Major Kerala Festivals & Auspicious Dates in 2025
Kerala is known as "God's Own Country," and its calendar is dotted with vibrant festivals. Planning ahead is crucial for NRIs and residents alike. Here is a detailed breakdown of the most significant observances in 2025:
1. Vishu 2025 (Medam 1)
Date: April 14, 2025 (Monday)
Vishu marks the astronomical New Year for Malayalees. It is celebrated on the first day of the month of Medam. The most important ritual is the "Vishukkani"—the first thing seen upon waking up, consisting of Konnapoo (Cassia fistula), coins, rice, and gold. In 2025, since Vishu falls on a Monday, it creates a long weekend for government employees.
2. Onam 2025 (Chingam)
Thiruvonam Date: September 5, 2025 (Friday)
Onam is the harvest festival of Kerala. It is celebrated in the month of Chingam (August-September). The 2025 Onam season is expected to be vibrant as Thiruvonam falls on a Friday, extending celebrations into the weekend. Key dates include Uthradam (First Onam) on Sept 4 and Avittom (Third Onam) on Sept 6.
3. Ramayana Masam (Karkidakam)
Period: July 17 to August 16, 2025
The month of Karkidakam is dedicated to spiritual reflection and Ayurvedic rejuvenation (Karkidaka Chikitsa). It is a time when the Ramayana is recited in Hindu households across the state. This period also includes the Karkidaka Vavu (July 16, 2025), a day for paying homage to ancestors.
Importance of Daily Nakshatra (Star)
In the Kerala tradition, the "Naal" or Nakshatra is vital for determining auspicious timings (Muhoortham) for weddings, housewarmings (Palukachal), and naming ceremonies (Choroonu). This calendar tool uses the longitude of the Moon to calculate which of the 27 Nakshatras is prevailing at sunrise.
How to use this feature: Simply look at the bottom of the date cell in the calendar grid. You will find names like Aswathi, Bharani, Karthika, Rohini, etc. If a day has a transition between two stars, the star prevailing for the majority of the day is usually displayed.
- Weddings: Usually preferred during Chingam, Makaram, and Meenam.
- House Construction: Avoided during Karkidakam.
- Vidyarambham: Scheduled for Vijayadashami (October 2025).
Kerala Government Holiday List 2025
Below is the table of gazetted holidays for banks, schools, and government offices in Kerala for the year 2025.
| Date | Day | Occasion |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 26 | Sunday | Republic Day |
| Feb 26 | Wednesday | Maha Shivaratri |
| Apr 14 | Monday | Vishu / Dr. Ambedkar Jayanti |
| Apr 18 | Friday | Good Friday |
| May 01 | Thursday | May Day (Workers' Day) |
| Aug 15 | Friday | Independence Day |
| Sep 05 | Friday | Thiruvonam |
| Oct 02 | Thursday | Gandhi Jayanti |
| Dec 25 | Thursday | Christmas |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When does the Malayalam Year 1201 start?
The Malayalam New Year 1201 begins on the 1st of Chingam, which corresponds to August 17, 2025. Until then, the calendar follows Kollavarsham 1200.
How accurate is the Nakshatra calculator?
This tool uses a mathematical algorithm based on the reference date of Jan 1, 2025. While it is highly accurate for general purposes, for critical astrological decisions like matching (Porutham), consulting a printed Panchangam or an astrologer is recommended.