Nadu (Agni natchathiram – ['pineḻu'] the last 7 days of Chithirai and ['muneḻu'] the first 7 days of Vaigasi). 'Ādi' is also the windiest month in Tamil Nadu, and hence the phrase 'Ādi kaatru ammiyai nagatrum' (literally, 'the strong winds in the month of Ādi can even move a stone grinder') Puratāsi is when most of the non-vegetarian Tamil people fast from meat for a month. Each Saturday of this month is set apart to venerate the planet Saturn. Deepavali, is celebrated on the new moon day, in the seventh month Aipasi. The month of Aipasi is usually characterised by the North-East Monsoon in Tamil Nadu, which has given birth to a phrase, Aipasi adai maḻai meaning the "Non-stop downpour". Margaḻi falls in winter in Tamil Nadu, and is an auspicious month. The month is considered sacred. During the holy month of Margaḻi, houses are decorated with colorful and elaborate kolams. These are drawn on the threshold to welcome guests and divine beings to bless their houses with prosperity and happiness. The Shaivite fast of Thiru-vembaavai and the Vaishnava fast of Thiru-paavai are also observed in this month. The total number of days in a Tamil Calendar is an average 365 days. The Vakiya Panchangam is employed for both sacred and civil calculations. The Trikanitha Panchangam is employed for astrological calculations. Festivals The Tamil Calendar is important in the life of Tamil-speaking people and most festivals of Tamil Nadu are based on it. Some festivals include: Tamil New Year (also called Puthandu) Tai Pongal Deepavali, Vinayagar chathurthi Panguni Uthiram Thirukaarthigai Aadiperukku Navaratri See also Chandravakyas Malayalam calendar Pambu Panchangam Puthandu Samvatsara Sexagenary cycle References External links @ Tamil Calendar for all past and future years (தமிழ் நாள்காட்டி) Tamil Calendar with Daily Panchangam Tamil Calendar for each year Hindu calendar Solar calendars Tamil culture Time in India