Today is Chingam 1, the first day of the month of Chingam, as per the Malayalam calendar in Kerala. The day marks the beginning of the Malayalam New Year.

Chingam is considered auspicious and ideal for the commencement of new beginnings in the state. In households, people clean their homes and perform rituals to welcome the new year. 

Traditional rituals and offerings are made to seek blessings for a prosperous year ahead.

People wearing traditional attire thronged various temples in the state this morning. 

A large number of devotees offered prayers at the famous Sabarimala and Guruvayoor temples.