The traditional Malayalam calendar, known as Kolla Varsham, offers a spiritual roadmap for the year ahead. As we look forward to 2026, which corresponds to the Malayalam year 1201, devotees and those following Kerala's cultural traditions can begin planning for important festivals, religious observances, and Sankramam days. This calendar is deeply interwoven with the agrarian lifestyle and astrological beliefs of Kerala.
Understanding the Malayalam Calendar and Sankramam
The Malayalam calendar is a sidereal solar calendar, meaning it is based on the sun's apparent movement against the fixed stars. A pivotal concept within this system is Sankramam or Sankranti. This marks the sun's transit from one zodiac sign (Rashi) to the next. Each Sankramam signifies the beginning of a new solar month in the Malayalam calendar.
These moments are considered highly auspicious for spiritual activities. Many Hindus observe rituals, offer prayers, and perform charity during Sankramam, believing it amplifies the positive effects of their deeds. The exact time of Sankramam is crucial for scheduling important ceremonies and pujas.
Key Sankramam Dates and Malayalam Months for 2026
The year 1201 Kolla Varsham begins with the month of Chingam. Here is a sequential list of the Malayalam months and their corresponding Sankramam dates for 2026, based on prevalent astrological calculations.
Chingam (August-September): Begins on August 17, 2026 (Sun enters Leo/Simha Rashi).
Kanni (September-October): Begins on September 17, 2026 (Sun enters Virgo/Kanya Rashi).
Thulam (October-November): Begins on October 17, 2026 (Sun enters Libra/Thula Rashi).
Vrischikam (November-December): Begins on November 16, 2026 (Sun enters Scorpio/Vrischika Rashi).
Dhanu (December-January): Begins on December 16, 2026 (Sun enters Sagittarius/Dhanu Rashi).
Makaram (January-February): Begins on January 14, 2027 (Sun enters Capricorn/Makara Rashi). This marks the famous Makaravilakku season in Sabarimala.
Kumbham (February-March): Begins on February 13, 2027 (Sun enters Aquarius/Kumbha Rashi).
Meenam (March-April): Begins on March 15, 2027 (Sun enters Pisces/Meena Rashi).
Medam (April-May): Begins on April 14, 2027 (Sun enters Aries/Meda Rashi). This marks the Vishu festival and the traditional Malayalam New Year.
Edavam (May-June): Begins on May 15, 2027 (Sun enters Taurus/Edava Rashi).
Mithunam (June-July): Begins on June 15, 2027 (Sun enters Gemini/Mithuna Rashi).
Karkidakam (July-August): Begins on July 16, 2027 (Sun enters Cancer/Karkataka Rashi). This month is dedicated to reading the Ramayana.
Major Festivals in the Malayalam Calendar 2026
The Malayalam calendar 2026 is packed with festivals that define Kerala's cultural and religious landscape. While exact dates for some festivals depend on lunar positions (like Onam), the solar calendar provides the framework.
Onam: The biggest festival in Kerala, celebrating the homecoming of King Mahabali. In 2026, the main day of Thiruvonam is expected to fall in the month of Chingam, around early September. The ten-day festival culminates on Thiruvonam.
Vishu: The Malayalam New Year, celebrated on the first day of Medam (around April 14). It is famous for the Vishukkani ritual and Vishukkaineetam.
Makaravilakku in Sabarimala: The auspicious period begins with the Makara Sankramam in January, drawing millions of devotees to the hill shrine of Lord Ayyappa.
Navaratri & Vijayadashami: Celebrated in the month of Kanni, this nine-night festival dedicated to the Goddess culminates in Vijayadashami, an auspicious day for initiating children into learning.
Thiruvathira: Observed in the month of Dhanu, this festival is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is particularly significant for women.
Ekadashi: Occurring twice every lunar month, Ekadashi days are observed with fasting and prayers throughout the year.
Pradosham: Another bi-monthly observance dedicated to Lord Shiva, falling on the 13th day of the lunar fortnight.
Significance for Planning and Spirituality
Having the complete Malayalam calendar 2026 with Sankramam dates at hand is invaluable for devout families. It allows for the meticulous planning of weddings, housewarming ceremonies (Grihapravesham), starting new ventures, and other important life events on auspicious days. Astrologers heavily rely on these dates and the precise Sankramam timings to prepare personalized horoscopes and muhurthams.
Furthermore, the calendar guides the observance of rituals like monthly Pitru Tarpanam (offerings to ancestors) on Amavasya (new moon day) and various Vratams. For the agrarian community, it continues to inform seasonal activities and harvest times.
In essence, the Malayalam calendar for 2026 is more than just a list of dates; it is a cultural almanac that connects the people of Kerala to their roots, rhythms of nature, and spiritual cosmos. By marking the festivals and Sankramam dates for 2025-2026, individuals can ensure they participate fully in the rich tapestry of traditions that define the region.
