The Tamil month of Thai is the tenth month of the Tamil calendar and falls between mid-Jan to mid-Feb. It is regarded as an auspicious month. ‘Thai Pirandhal Vazhi Pirakkum’ is a famous Tamil saying which means ‘With the dawn of Thai month, every effort will flourish and succeed’. Tamil community reveres the first day of the Thai month as Pongal festival. Some Tamil natives also observe the day as Tamil New Year Day. According to mythology, Thai is the favorable month to appease Lord Shiva and Lord Muruga. There is a custom of Muruga devotees carrying Kavadi (a decorated yoke) to the six abodes of Lord Muruga called ‘Arupadaiveedu’.

Other Important festivals of Thai month

Thai Poosam – for Lord Muruga

Maha Shivaratri on Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi (14th Waning Moon)

Thai Shukravaram (Thai Fridays)

Thai Amavasya (New Moon day) – to offer Tarpanam (ritual offering to ancestors)

Important Festival dates in Thai month 2018

Pongal – January 14

Mattu Pongal – January 15

Kaanum Pongal – January 16

Thai Amavasai – January 16

Thai Poosam – January 31