The Tamil month Margazhi starts on December 16, 2017.It is the start of Dakshinamyana and is considered as the beginning of Punya Kalam for the Devas.

Following are the highlights of Margazhi month

.Margazhi is one of the Tamil months which help the Hindus earn Punya through prayers, bhajans, and visits to temples.

 The month is also called Dhanur masam.

.The name Margazhi is derived from the star Mrigasirsha.

The month is specially devoted to the worship of Sri Hari. Lord Vishnu considers Margazhi as His manifestation.

Andal, a devoted Alvar, recited Thirupaavai in the glory of Vishnu and observed Paavai nonbu to seek the hand of Rengamannar (Mahavishnu). Her penance culminated in her union with Vishnu and thus we have the custom to recite Thirupaavai in Margazhi in the glory of Andal and also as a prayer to Vishnu through chanting Thirupaavai.

Thiruvempaavai is written by Manickavasakar who is an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva. It is recited in all temples with Shiva as the main deity during early mornings in Margazhi.

. Devas consider Margazhi month as their day (one year is one day for the Devas). Margazhi is the early morning (brahma muhurtham) for them.  Margazhi is the time of worship for Devas and they offer their prayers to God during this month.

. The earth is near ozone layer and so people can inhale pure oxygen in the fresh air every morning in the month of Margazhi. That is the reason for their getting up, taking a bath in the early morning and decorating houses with kolams in the open air along with visiting temples.

 Margazhi is famous for the musical concerts given by the veteran carnatic musicians in all famous sabhas - a delightful feast for the music lovers who wait for the occasion every year.

Important religious events during Margazhi 

 Hanuman Jayanthi (18.12.2017)

Hanuman Jayanthi is the birthday of Hanuman which falls on his birth star, Moolam in the month of Margazhi in the Tamil calendar. This year, it falls on December 18.

 Sani Peyarchi (19-12-2017)

Sani Peyarchi is the transition of Sani Bhagavan from one house to the next house among the 12 houses (Mesha, Rishaba etc) in a person’s horoscope. In 2017, Sani Peyarchi takes place on 19.12.2017 and Sani Bhagavan transits from Scorpio (Vrichiga rasi) to Sagittarius (Danush rasi) and is going to stay there for 2 ½ years.

Vaikunta Ekadashi (29-12-2017)

Vaikunta Ekadashi is the Ekadashi that showers blessings and grace of Lord Vishnu upon a person who fasts and keeps vigil on the day. It is celebrated on the 11^Th day of Shukla Paksha in the month of Margazhi as per Tamil calendar.It falls on December 29 this year.

Arudra Darshan (2-1-2018)

Arudhra Dharshan falls in the month of Margazhi on the full moon night with the star Thiruvadhirai falling on that day.It is in celebration of the ecstatic dance of Lord Shiva in the form of Nataraja as depicted in the temple at Chidambaram.

 Koodaravalli (11.1.2018)

Koodaravalli falls on the 27th day of Margazhi.On this day, Andaal recited the pasuram 'koodarai vellum seer Govinda' and got thirukalyana varam from Lord vishnu. Koodaravalli falls on 11.1.2018.

 Bhogi Pandigai (13-1-2018)

Bhogi Pandigai is widely celebrated across Tamil Nadu on the day preceding Thai Pongal. ... Furthermore, Bhogi Pandigai marks the beginning of celebrations of Pongal,

Endless are the tributes to the month of Margazhi. One may not wonder at the words of Vishnu himself….” I am Margazhi among the months” as mentioned in Bhagavad Gita.