Gujarati Calender

 

The Gujarati Calendar: Tradition, Festivals, and Timekeeping

The Gujarati calendar, also known as the Panchang in Gujarat, is a traditional lunisolar calendar used by the people of the western Indian state of Gujarat. It plays a central role in daily life, religious observances, and cultural festivities, reflecting the region's rich heritage and spiritual practices.

Structure and Basis

The Gujarati calendar is lunisolar, meaning it considers both the moon's phases (lunar months) and the solar year (the Sun's position in zodiac signs). Each year is divided into 12 months, starting with Chaitra or Kartak depending on the tradition, though most Gujaratis consider Kartak (October-November) as the start of the new year.

Each month is split into two fortnights:

• Shukla Paksha: The waxing phase of the moon

• Krishna Paksha: The waning phase of the moon

This calendar ensures that festivals, rituals, and auspicious days (muhurtas) align accurately with lunar and solar movements.

Months of the Gujarati Calendar

The twelve months in the Gujarati calendar are:

1. Chaitra (Chait)

2. Vaishakh (Vaishakh)

3. Jeth (Jeth)

4. Aashadh (Ashadh)

5. Shravan (Shravan)

6. Bhadarvo (Bhadarvo)

7. Ashwin (Ashwin)

8. Kartak (Kartak)

9. Margashirsh (Agahan)

10. Paus (Paus)

11. Magh (Magh)

12. Phagan (Phagan)

Each month carries cultural and religious significance, guiding important events like weddings, festivals, and fasting days.

Festivals and Cultural Importance

The Gujarati calendar is deeply intertwined with festivals, many of which follow lunar dates rather than solar. Some key festivals include:

• Diwali (Kartak month, Amavasya) – Festival of Lights

• Navratri (Ashwin month) – Nine nights of dance and devotion to Goddess Durga

• Makar Sankranti (Paus month, solar event) – Celebrating the Sun’s transition

• Ugadi and Bestu Varas (Gujarati New Year) – Marking the beginning of the lunar year

Apart from festivals, the calendar is used to determine auspicious days (Shubh Muhurat) for ceremonies such as weddings, naming ceremonies, and housewarmings.

Panchang and Daily Use

A Gujarati Panchang contains detailed information such as:

• Tithi – Lunar day

• Vara – Day of the week

• Nakshatra – Star constellation of the day

• Yoga and Karana – Astronomical calculations affecting auspiciousness

Traditionally, families consult the Panchang daily to plan activities in harmony with cosmic timings.

Modern Relevance

Despite the availability of Gregorian calendars, the Gujarati calendar continues to be widely used in homes, temples, and businesses. Many publications release annual Gujarati calendars with festival dates, sunrise-sunset timings, and public holidays, bridging tradition and contemporary life.