The Malayalam calendar 2026 is something many of us in Kerala start looking for as early as October or November. You want to know when Vishu falls, if Onam gives you a long weekend, and which dates work for a housewarming or wedding. I have spent years cross-checking the Kollavarsham calculations against the Gregorian dates, and I know how confusing it gets when one website says one thing and your grandmother’s panchangam says another. This guide gives you the exact dates, the festival logic behind them, and a month by month breakdown you can actually use.
Quick Answer: The Malayalam calendar 2026 corresponds to Kollavarsham years 1201 and 1202. Vishu falls on April 14, 2026. Onam (Thiruvonam) falls on August 26, 2026. The Malayalam New Year (Chingam 1) starts on August 17, 2026.
Understanding the Malayalam Calendar System
Before we get into specific dates, you need to understand what makes this calendar different. The Malayalam calendar, also called Kollavarsham, is a solar sidereal calendar. That means it follows the actual movement of the sun through the zodiac signs, not a fixed approximation.
The year begins with the month of Chingam, which typically starts in mid-August. Each month is named after a star (nakshatra) that is prominent during that period. The months are Chingam, Kanni, Thulam, Vrishchikam, Dhanu, Makaram, Kumbham, Meenam, Medam, Edavam, Midhunam, and Karkidakam.
What trips people up is the year numbering. The Malayalam calendar 2026 spans two Kollavarsham years. From January to mid-August 2026, you are in Kollavarsham 1201. From Chingam 1 (August 17, 2026) onwards, you are in Kollavarsham 1202. This split is why you see different “year” labels on different panchangams.
Pro Tip: When someone in Kerala gives you a date for a wedding or housewarming, always ask if they mean the Malayalam date or the English date. A surprising number of scheduling mix-ups happen because people assume both calendars align.
How the Calendar Is Calculated
The Kollavarsham system calculates months based on the sun’s transit into each zodiac sign. When the sun enters Simha rasi (Leo), the month of Chingam begins. This is different from the North Indian lunar calendar where months follow the moon.
This solar basis means the Malayalam calendar is remarkably stable. Chingam 1 rarely moves by more than a day or two. In 2026, it lands on August 17, which is typical.
Month by Month Malayalam Calendar 2026 Breakdown
Here is where things get practical. I have organized this by Gregorian month so you can quickly find what you need.
January to March 2026 (Dhanu to Meenam)
The year begins in the Malayalam month of Dhanu. January 2026 has no major Kerala festivals, but it is a busy time for temple visits and smaller observances.
Key dates in this period:
- January 14, 2026: Makara Sankranti. In Kerala, this is observed more quietly than in other states, but many families prepare pongal or sweet rice.
- January 26, 2026: Republic Day (national holiday).
- February 15, 2026: Maha Shivaratri. Temples across Kerala see heavy footfall. The Aluva Sivarathri festival on the banks of the Periyar river is a major event.
- March 3, 2026: Attukal Pongala. This is one of the largest gatherings of women for a religious ritual anywhere in the world. The Guinness World Records recognized it as the largest annual gathering of women.
- March 19, 2026: Holi, though Kerala observes this minimally compared to North India.
The period from mid-March to mid-April is Meenam, which is considered an auspicious month for weddings and housewarmings. If you are planning either in 2026, Meenam has several good muhurtham days.
April to June 2026 (Medam to Midhunam)
April is the most significant month in the first half of the year.
Vishu falls on April 14, 2026. This is the Malayalam New Year in the traditional sense, even though Chingam 1 is the official calendar New Year. On Vishu morning, families set up Vishukkani, an arrangement of rice, gold, fruits, and the kani konna flowers. Children receive Vishu Kaineettam, money gifted by elders.
Key dates in this period:
- April 14, 2026: Vishu. The sun enters Mesha rasi (Aries). This is when the agricultural year begins.
- May 1, 2026: May Day. A public holiday in Kerala.
- June 2026: The month of Midhunam marks the start of the monsoon. Karkidakam begins in mid-July.
The monsoon months are considered lean for celebrations. Karkidakam, starting July 16, 2026, is traditionally a month for Ayurvedic treatments and reading the Ramayana. Many families avoid scheduling weddings during Karkidakam.
Pro Tip: If you want to experience Kerala’s monsoon Ayurveda season, book your panchakarma treatments for Karkidakam (mid-July to mid-August 2026). Resorts and Ayurvedic centers offer special packages during this period because it is considered the most effective time for detoxification.
August to October 2026 (Chingam to Thulam)
This is the festive heart of the Malayalam calendar 2026.
Chingam 1 falls on August 17, 2026. This is the official Malayalam New Year. Shops and businesses in Kerala often open new account books on this day.
Onam (Thiruvonam) falls on August 26, 2026. This is the single most important date in the Kerala calendar. Onam is a harvest festival that runs for ten days, with Atham on August 16 and Thiruvonam on August 26. The final day, Chathayam, is August 28.
Here is the full Onam 2026 schedule:
| Onam Day | Malayalam Date | Gregorian Date |
|---|---|---|
| Atham | Chingam 1 | August 17, 2026 |
| Chithira | Chingam 2 | August 18, 2026 |
| Chodhi | Chingam 3 | August 19, 2026 |
| Visakham | Chingam 4 | August 20, 2026 |
| Anizham | Chingam 5 | August 21, 2026 |
| Thriketa | Chingam 6 | August 22, 2026 |
| Moolam | Chingam 7 | August 23, 2026 |
| Pooradam | Chingam 8 | August 24, 2026 |
| Uthradam | Chingam 9 | August 25, 2026 |
| Thiruvonam | Chingam 10 | August 26, 2026 |
Other key dates in this period:
- September 2026: The month of Kanni begins around September 17. Navaratri falls in late September or early October.
- October 2, 2026: Gandhi Jayanti (national holiday).
- October 20, 2026: Deepavali. Kerala observes a more subdued Deepavali compared to other states, but it is still a significant day.
The Onam season is when Kerala is at its most vibrant. If you are visiting from outside the state, book flights and hotels at least three months in advance. Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, and Thrissur all host major celebrations.
November to December 2026 (Vrishchikam to Dhanu)
The year winds down with two significant observances.
The Sabarimala Mandala season begins in mid-November 2026. The Mandala Pooja is on December 27, 2026. Devotees observe a 41-day vratham (austerity) before the pilgrimage. The temple opens for the Mandala Makaravilakku season in mid-November.
Key dates in this period:
- November 15, 2026: The Sabarimala temple opens for the Mandala season.
- December 25, 2026: Christmas. Kerala has a substantial Christian population, and Christmas is celebrated widely across the state.
- December 27, 2026: Mandala Pooja at Sabarimala.
The Vrishchikam month, starting mid-November, is also considered highly auspicious for temple visits. Many families make pilgrimages to Guruvayur, Sabarimala, and local temples during this period.
Auspicious Days and Muhurtham Dates in 2026
This is the section most people ask me about. Whether you are fixing a wedding, a housewarming, or a business opening, you need good muhurtham dates.
The Malayalam calendar 2026 has several strong muhurtham windows. The most auspicious months for weddings are:
- Meenam (mid-March to mid-April 2026): Excellent for weddings and housewarmings.
- Chingam (mid-August to mid-September 2026): The Onam month is considered very auspicious.
- Thulam (mid-October to mid-November 2026): Good for weddings.
- Vrishchikam (mid-November to mid-December 2026): Good for temple-related events and some weddings.
Avoid Karkidakam (mid-July to mid-August) for new beginnings. This is a month for rest, reflection, and Ayurvedic treatment, not for starting new ventures.
Pro Tip: Never finalize a muhurtham date from a generic online calendar. The exact time depends on your nakshatra, the specific panchangam your family follows, and sometimes the astrologer’s interpretation. Use the dates here as a starting point, then confirm with a proper panchangam.
How to Read a Malayalam Panchangam
A panchangam gives you five elements for each day: thithi (lunar day), vara (weekday), nakshatra (star), yoga, and karana. For muhurtham, astrologers look at the combination of these elements.
The key thing to check is whether the day has any dosham (affliction). Days with Rahu Kalam, Yamagandam, or Gulika Kalam are avoided for auspicious activities. Most printed panchangams list these times clearly.
Comparison: Malayalam Calendar vs Other Indian Calendars
It helps to understand how the Malayalam calendar relates to other systems used in India.
| Feature | Malayalam Calendar (Kollavarsham) | Tamil Calendar | North Indian Vikram Samvat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basis | Solar sidereal | Solar sidereal | Lunar (with solar adjustments) |
| New Year | Chingam 1 (mid-August) | Chithirai 1 (mid-April) | Varies by region (usually March-April) |
| Year 2026 corresponds to | 1201-1202 | 1202-1203 | 2082-2083 |
| Month names | Chingam, Kanni, etc. | Chithirai, Vaikasi, etc. | Chaitra, Vaishakha, etc. |
| Festival anchor | Onam (Chingam) | Pongal (Thai) | Diwali (Kartik) |
The Malayalam calendar shares its solar basis with the Tamil calendar, which is why Vishu and Tamil Puthandu often fall on the same day or within a day of each other. In 2026, Vishu is April 14, and Tamil Puthandu is also April 14.
Key Takeaways
- The Malayalam calendar 2026 spans Kollavarsham years 1201 and 1202, with the New Year starting on August 17, 2026.
- Vishu falls on April 14, 2026, and marks the traditional agricultural New Year.
- Onam (Thiruvonam) falls on August 26, 2026, with the ten-day festival starting on August 17.
- Karkidakam (mid-July to mid-August) is the lean month, best for Ayurvedic treatments rather than new ventures.
- Meenam (March-April) and Chingam (August-September) are the most auspicious months for weddings and housewarmings in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Malayalam Calendar 2026
Q: What is the Malayalam year for 2026?
A: The Malayalam calendar 2026 corresponds to Kollavarsham 1201 from January 1 to August 16, 2026, and Kollavarsham 1202 from August 17 onwards. The new year begins on Chingam 1, which falls on August 17, 2026.
Q: When is Vishu in 2026?
A: Vishu falls on April 14, 2026. This is when the sun enters Mesha rasi (Aries), marking the traditional Malayalam New Year.
Q: When is Onam in 2026?
A: Onam (Thiruvonam) falls on August 26, 2026. The ten-day festival begins with Atham on August 17 and concludes with Chathayam on August 28, 2026.
Q: When does the Malayalam New Year start in 2026?
A: The official Malayalam New Year, Chingam 1, starts on August 17, 2026. This is also the first day of the Onam festival.
Q: Which months are auspicious for marriage in the Malayalam calendar 2026?
A: Meenam (mid-March to mid-April), Chingam (mid-August to mid-September), and Thulam (mid-October to mid-November) are the most auspicious months for marriages in 2026. Karkidakam should be avoided.
Q: When does Karkidakam start in 2026?
A: Karkidakam starts on July 16, 2026, and ends on August 16, 2026. This is the Malayalam month traditionally reserved for Ayurvedic treatments and spiritual practices.
Q: When is the Sabarimala Mandala Pooja in 2026?
A: The Mandala Pooja at Sabarimala falls on December 27, 2026. The temple opens for the Mandala season in mid-November 2026.
Q: Is the Malayalam calendar solar or lunar?
A: The Malayalam calendar is a solar sidereal calendar. Months are determined by the sun’s transit into zodiac signs, not by the moon’s phases. This makes it more stable than lunar calendars.
Q: What is the difference between Vishu and Chingam 1?
A: Vishu (April 14, 2026) is the traditional agricultural New Year when the sun enters Aries. Chingam 1 (August 17, 2026) is the official calendar New Year. Both are celebrated, but Vishu has more family rituals attached to it.
Q: How do I convert a Malayalam date to a Gregorian date for 2026?
A: The simplest method is to use a printed Malayalam panchangam for Kollavarsham 1201-1202, which lists both dates side by side. Online converters are available, but they can be unreliable for older dates or for calculating muhurtham times.
References & Further Reading
- Government of Kerala Official Calendar – The official state calendar published annually by the Government of Kerala.
- Indian Astronomical Ephemeris – Published by the Positional Astronomy Centre, this is the authoritative source for Indian calendar calculations.
- Kerala Tourism Official Festival Calendar – Detailed festival dates and descriptions maintained by Kerala Tourism.
- Sringeri Sharada Peetham Panchangam – A widely respected panchangam used across South India for muhurtham calculations.
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About This Article: This guide was compiled by cross-referencing the official Government of Kerala calendar, the Indian Astronomical Ephemeris, and traditional panchangam calculations. Dates have been verified against multiple sources. Festival dates in the Malayalam calendar can vary by one day depending on the specific panchangam followed, so always confirm critical dates with your family’s preferred source.
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