The Hindu calendar, also known as Panchanga, is a lunisolar calendar that has been traditionally used in the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia for social and religious purposes. Here are some key points about this ancient timekeeping system:
- Origins and Variants:
- The Hindu calendar has several regional variants, but the most studied ones are the Shalivahana Shaka (used in the Deccan region of Southern India) and the Vikram Samvat (used in Nepal and North/Central India).
- Both calendars emphasize the lunar cycle, but they differ in their relative emphasis on moon cycles versus solar cycles.
- In Tamil Nadu and Kerala, the solar cycle is emphasized, leading to the Tamil and Malayalam calendars.
- Structure:
- The Hindu calendar consists of 365 days and 12 months, similar to the Gregorian calendar.
- The year begins with the month of Chaitra, which starts around March 22 (the day after the Spring Equinox).
- During leap years, Chaitra starts on March 21.
- The months in the Saka Calendar include Chaitra, Vaishakha, Jyeshtha, Ashadha, Shravana, Bhaadra, Ashwin, Kartika, Agrahayana, Pausha, Magha, and Phalguna.
- Leap Months:
- Unlike the Gregorian calendar, which adds extra days to adjust for the mismatch between lunar and solar cycles, the Hindu calendar maintains the integrity of the lunar month.
- To align festivals and crop-related rituals with the appropriate season, an extra full month is inserted once every 32–33 months.
- Historical Significance:
- The Hindu calendar has been in use since Vedic times and remains relevant for setting Hindu festival dates.
- Early Buddhist communities in India also adopted the Vedic calendar, and Buddhist festivals continue to follow a lunar system.
- Jain traditions also use a similar lunisolar system for festivals and inscriptions.
- Saka Era:
- The Saka era, believed to be founded by King Shalivahana, marks major military victories.
- It began around the 78th year of the Common Era.
- The Saka Calendar starts with Chaitra and has 30 days in the month, with 31 days during leap years.
- Adoption as National Calendar:
- The Calendar Reform Committee introduced the Saka Calendar in 1957 as part of the Indian Ephemeris and Nautical Almanac.
- Dr. Meghnad Saha led the committee to create a nationally accepted accurate calendar for government use.
In summary, the Hindu calendar is a rich tapestry of tradition, astronomy, and cultural significance. Its intricate design reflects the ancient wisdom of timekeeping, connecting generations across centuries. 🌙🌞
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