Thai Masam – Significance

The month of Thai is the tenth month of the Tamil Calendar. It is one of the most auspicious months. Some Tamil people celebrate the first day of Thai Masam or Thai Pongal as the Tamil New Year Day. The traditional New Year Day on the Tamil Calendar is celebrated as Puthandu, which falls on Mesha Sankranti.

Per legend, Thai is the favourite month for Lord Murugan and Lord Shiva, and in this month, Lord Murugan’s devotees carry kavadis to Aarupadaiveedu, or the six abodes dedicated to Lord Murugan.

Thai Pusam is one of the major festivals celebrated in Thai Masam. Maha Shivaratri is another big festival celebrated on Thai masa Krishna Paksha Chaturdashi day. Thai Sukravaram or the Fridays in this month are very auspicious for Telugu speaking people settled in Tamil Nadu.

Thai Ammavasi is another important event celebrated in Thai month. On this day, hundreds of people pay homage to their ancestors. Thai Amavasai is special for Thithi and Tharpanam.

Important Festival dates in Thai month 2017

Pongal – January 14
Mattu Pongal – January 15
Kaanum Pongal – January 16

Thai Amavasai – January 27
Thai Pusam – February 10