Agricultural Cycle (Chingam) (Aug-Sept)
(Kanni) (Sept-Oct)
(Thulam) (Oct-Nov)
(Makaram) (Jan-Feb)
(Medam) (April-May)
(Edavam) (May-June)
KOLLAM ANDU (Commencement of Agricultural Year)
KANNIKOYTHU (First Harvest of Paddy in the Season)
THULAVARSHAM (Rain in the month of Thulam)
MAKARAKKOYTHU (Second Harvest of Paddy in the Season)
VISHU (Start of Njattuvela Calendar)
EDAVAPPATHI (Middle of the month of Edavam)
Agricultural Activities start anew. Rains seldom failed Farmers. Sounds of Vishuppakshi & Vithum kaikkottum herald the start of Sowing operations in the fields. Farmers observe Vishuchaal ritual in the morning & Chaalupooja to mark the auspicious commencement of rice farming.
Outbreak of SouthWest Monsoon
Paddy as well as other agricultural produce becomes ripe for harvest in the month of Chingam for Onam. Surplus produce enables the celebration of Onam with great splendour & Joy.
Outbreak of NorthEast Monsoon
(Midhunam/ Karkidakkam) (May-Sept) HEAVY RAINS Rain is at its peak during July to September (Shravan and Bhadrapada). The monsoon rain is ideal for paddy cultivation, and farmers plan nurseries, transplant seedlings and use waters from pre-monsoon showers in anticipation for the monsoons, the failing of which topples the whole cycle. Karkidakkam Month is usually associated with bad luck, because the heavy rain was often accompanied by destruction & diseases.
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