{
  "type": "article",
  "title": "Shashi Tharoor Greets Malayali Community on the First Day of Chingam",
  "summary": "Congress leader Shashi Tharoor shared a message on X to extend greetings to the Malayali community on Chingam 1, the first day of the Malayalam New Year.",
  "content": "Congress leader Shashi Tharoor extended warm wishes to the Malayali community on the occasion of the Malayalam New Year. Sharing a message on the social media platform X, he greeted people on the first day of the month of Chingam and offered wishes for happiness and prosperity.\n\nSignificance of Chingam 1 and the Kollavarsham Calendar\nIn Kerala, the traditional Malayalam calendar is known as Kollavarsham, and its official year begins on the first day of Chingam. Although the festival of Vishu in April is also celebrated with great fervor as the traditional astronomical new year, Chingam 1 marks the first date of the calendar year. On this festive day, families visit temples, light traditional lamps, and pray for a bountiful and peaceful year ahead.\n\nPublic Reaction\nThe post by Shashi Tharoor received widespread engagement from social media users online. Many individuals responded with reciprocal New Year greetings and festive blessings, while others discussed the cultural symbols and imagery shared alongside the message.\n\nWhat this means for you\nFor the Malayali Community: This occasion marks the start of the traditional Kollavarsham calendar year, celebrating new beginnings and hopes for prosperity.\n\nQuestions & Answers\n\n1. What occasion did Shashi Tharoor extend greetings for?\nShashi Tharoor extended greetings on the occasion of Chingam 1, which marks the start of the Malayalam New Year.\n\n2. What is the significance of Chingam 1?\nChingam 1 is the first day of the first month in the traditional Malayalam calendar known as Kollavarsham.\n\n3. What is the traditional Malayalam calendar called?\nThe traditional Malayalam calendar is known as Kollavarsham.\n\n4. Is Vishu also celebrated as New Year in Kerala?\nYes, Vishu in April is celebrated as the traditional astronomical new year, while Chingam 1 marks the start of the calendar year.\n\nLeader Profile: Shashi Tharoor\n• Role: Member of Parliament, Thiruvananthapuram\n• Born: 9 March 1956, London, UK\n• Party: Indian National Congress\n• Education: PhD, Fletcher School, Tufts University\n\nCongress MP from Thiruvananthapuram since 2009, a former UN Under-Secretary-General, and an award-winning author of over 25 books.\n\nPolitical Career & Achievements\n• UN Under-Secretary-General (2002–2007)\n• MP, Thiruvananthapuram (since 2009)\n• Minister of State for External Affairs (2009–2010)\n• Chair, Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs\n• Author of 25+ books; Sahitya Akademi Award winner\n\nQuick Facts\n• Finished second in the 2006 race to become UN Secretary-General.\n• Earned his PhD at age 22 — the youngest in the Fletcher School’s history.",
  "url": "https://trendkia.com/en/neta-ji/malayalama-navavarsha-chingama-1-ke-avasara-para-shashi-tharura-ne-malyali-samaja-ko-di-shubhakamanaen-17532",
  "category": "Leaders Speak",
  "publishedAt": "2026-08-17",
  "tags": [
    "ShashiTharoor"
  ],
  "language": "en",
  "site": "TrendKia"
}