Hindu Calender

📌 Festival & Holiday Highlights Included

(Selected from widely published Hindu festival calendars for 2026) 

✔ मकर संक्रांति – 14 Jan
✔ बसंत पंचमी – 23 Jan
✔ महाशिवरात्रि – 16 Feb
✔ होली – 4 Mar
✔ राम नवमी – 26 Mar
✔ महावीर जयंती – 31 Mar
✔ हनुमान जयंती – 2 Apr
✔ बुद्ध पूर्णिमा – 1 May
✔ रथ यात्रा – 21 Jul
✔ स्वतंत्रता दिवस – 15 Aug
✔ गांधी जयंती – 2 Oct
✔ दशहरा – 20 Oct
✔ दिवाली – 8 Nov
✔ गुरु नानक जयंती – 24 Nov
✔ क्रिसमस – 25 Dec

Hindu Calendar: History, Months, and Cultural Significance

The Hindu Calendar, also known as the Panchang or Hindu Almanac, is an ancient system of timekeeping followed by Hindus across India and other parts of South Asia. It plays a vital role in religious rituals, festivals, agriculture, and daily life. The Hindu calendar is deeply connected to astronomy and is based on the movements of the sun and the moon.

Origin and History of the Hindu Calendar

The Hindu calendar has its roots in ancient Indian scriptures known as the Vedas. It was developed thousands of years ago by Indian astronomers who carefully studied celestial movements. Different regions of India follow slightly different versions of the Hindu calendar, but all are based on similar astronomical principles.

Several eras are used in Hindu timekeeping, including the Vikram Samvat, Shaka Samvat, and Kali Yuga. Among these, the Shaka Samvat is officially recognized by the Government of India for civil purposes.

Lunisolar Nature of the Hindu Calendar

The Hindu calendar is lunisolar, meaning it considers both the lunar cycle and the solar year. Months are based on the phases of the moon, while the year is adjusted according to the sun’s movement. To keep the lunar months aligned with the solar year, an extra month called Adhik Maas is added approximately every three years.

Each lunar month is divided into two halves:

• Shukla Paksha (waxing moon)

• Krishna Paksha (waning moon)

Many Hindu festivals and rituals are fixed according to these lunar phases.

Hindu Calendar Months

The Hindu calendar consists of 12 months, though their names may vary slightly by region. The commonly used month names are:

1. Chaitra

2. Vaishakha

3. Jyeshtha

4. Ashadha

5. Shravana

6. Bhadrapada

7. Ashwin

8. Kartika

9. Margashirsha

10. Pausha

11. Magha

12. Phalguna

Each month is associated with seasonal changes and religious observances.

Hindu New Year Celebrations

The Hindu New Year is celebrated on different dates across India, depending on regional calendars:

• Chaitra Navratri marks the New Year in many northern regions

• Ugadi is celebrated in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka

• Gudi Padwa is the New Year in Maharashtra

• Vishu is observed in Kerala

Despite different names, all these festivals symbolize renewal, prosperity, and hope.

Festivals Based on the Hindu Calendar

Most Hindu festivals are determined by the Hindu calendar. Major festivals include:

• Diwali (festival of lights)

• Holi (festival of colors)

• Navratri

• Durga Puja

• Raksha Bandhan

• Janmashtami

• Makar Sankranti

Auspicious days, fasting rituals, weddings, and religious ceremonies are all planned according to the Hindu calendar and the Panchang.

Role of the Panchang

The Panchang is a traditional Hindu almanac that provides detailed daily information such as:

• Tithi (lunar day)

• Vara (weekday)

• Nakshatra (constellation)

• Yoga

• Karana

It is widely consulted to determine auspicious timings, known as Muhurat, for important events.

Importance in Agriculture and Daily Life

For centuries, farmers in India have relied on the Hindu calendar to plan agricultural activities like sowing and harvesting. Seasonal knowledge passed down through generations is preserved through this calendar system.

Even today, the Hindu calendar is used in temples, homes, and cultural events, while the Gregorian calendar is used for official purposes.