Chingam dawns on Thursday heralding the birth of another Malayalam year or Kollavarsham 1182. Chingam or Bhadrapada ushers in Onam. After the rain-drenched month of Karkidakam, Chingam is the harbinger of spring, signalling the start of the harvest season.

Though the Malayali fervour synonymous with the birth of the month is missing, men and women dressed up in their traditional attire can be found offering prayers at temples.

The months of the Malayalam calendar are named after the constellations in which the sun is seen during the period. Thus Chingam (from Simham or Lion) is named after the constellation Leo. There is also a belief that Chingam has the colour of Pachottippoovu, a flower not seen anywhere now. It is said Chingam is the stomach of Kalapurushan.

History says that the calendar system began on Chingam 1, 825 AD _ August 15 (some do not agree with this date). There are many stories about the commencement of Kollavarsham.

It is said Udaya Marthanda Varma, who is believed to have ruled Kerala in 825 AD (the time was 3926 years into the Kali Yug) called a council of his elders in Kollam (thus the name Kollavarsham) and, after much deliberation, it was resolved to adopt August 15 as the first day of the new Kollam Era.

The Kollam era has also been associated with the story of Cheraman Perumal and his embarkation for Mecca. Others claim that Kollam era was founded in memory of Sankaracharya. It has also been claimed as commemorating the founding of a Christian community at Kollam.

There are records of Onam being celebrated during the Sangam Age. Onam festivities have been recorded during the time of Kulasekhara Perumal around AD 800. It is believed that Chingam in those days was celebrated as Onam season.