2020 Tamil Holiday Calendar
Introduction
As we approach the end of the year, it’s time to start planning for the upcoming holidays. If you’re living in Tamil Nadu or have Tamil roots, you’ll want to know the dates of the festivals and events that are celebrated in your community. In this article, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive guide to the 2020 Tamil Holiday Calendar, including a list of events and festivals, descriptions of the celebrations, and answers to frequently asked questions.
List of Events and Festivals in 2020 Tamil Holiday Calendar
The Tamil calendar is based on the lunar cycle, so the dates of the festivals and events vary from year to year. Here’s a list of the major holidays in the 2020 Tamil Holiday Calendar:
- Pongal – January 15
- Maha Shivaratri – February 21
- Holi – March 10
- Tamil New Year – April 14
- Ugadi – April 14
- Vishu – April 14
- Ramadan – Begins on April 24
- Eid al-Fitr – May 24
- Bakrid – July 31
- Ganesh Chaturthi – August 22
- Onam – August 31 to September 2
- Navratri – Begins on October 17
- Diwali – November 14
- Karthigai Deepam – November 29
- Christmas – December 25
Descriptions of Celebrations
Each festival and event in the Tamil Holiday Calendar has its own unique traditions and celebrations. Here are some descriptions of the most popular festivals:
Pongal
Pongal is a four-day festival that marks the end of the winter solstice and the beginning of the harvest season. It’s celebrated with the cooking of rice in a clay pot, which is boiled until it overflows – symbolizing abundance and prosperity. The festival also includes the decoration of cows and bulls, which are considered sacred in Hinduism.
Tamil New Year
Tamil New Year, also known as Puthandu, is celebrated on the first day of the Tamil month of Chithirai. It’s a time for new beginnings and is marked by the wearing of new clothes and the exchange of gifts. Homes are decorated with colorful kolams, which are designs made with rice flour.
Diwali
Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a five-day festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil. It’s marked by the lighting of lamps and candles and the exchange of sweets and gifts. The festival also includes the making of rangolis, which are colorful designs made with rice flour or colored sand.
Question and Answer
Q: Why do the dates of the festivals and events in the Tamil Holiday Calendar vary from year to year?
A: The Tamil calendar is based on the lunar cycle, which means that the dates of the festivals and events are determined by the position of the moon. This is why the dates vary from year to year.
Q: What are some traditional foods that are eaten during the Tamil festivals?
A: Some of the traditional foods that are eaten during the Tamil festivals include pongal, a sweet rice dish made with jaggery and coconut, and vadai, a savory donut made with lentils.
Q: Why are cows and bulls decorated during the Pongal festival?
A: Cows and bulls are considered sacred in Hinduism and are believed to bring good luck and prosperity. Decorating them during the Pongal festival is a way of honoring and thanking them for their contributions to agriculture and the economy.
Conclusion
The 2020 Tamil Holiday Calendar is full of festivals and events that are rich in tradition and meaning. Whether you’re celebrating with family and friends or simply observing from afar, we hope this guide has provided you with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Tamil culture and its customs.