Hindu calendar

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Hindu calendar 1871-72

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File:Hindu Lunisolar Calendar.ogv Hindu calendar is a collective term for the various lunisolar calendars traditionally used in the Hindu culture. It is an ancient time-keeping system that dates back over 2000 years, with roots in Vedic texts. The Hindu calendar is not just a tool for measuring time but also holds religious, astrological, and seasonal significance. It is used across the Indian subcontinent for setting various festival dates, such as Diwali, Holi, and Navaratri, as well as for agricultural and seasonal activities.

Structure and Features

The Hindu calendar is primarily based on the cycles of the Moon (lunar) and the Sun (solar), making it a lunisolar calendar. It is divided into 12 months, with each month beginning with the first day after the new moon. The names and the exact start times of these months can vary significantly across different regions of India due to its vast geographical and cultural diversity.

Months and Days

Each month in the Hindu calendar is divided into two phases: the waxing phase (Shukla Paksha) and the waning phase (Krishna Paksha). A full cycle of the moon, from new moon to new moon, is around 29.5 days, so each phase lasts approximately 15 days. The days of the week in the Hindu calendar are named after the seven visible planets and the lunar nodes, which are also deities in Hindu mythology.

Years

The years in the Hindu calendar are counted in eras, with the most commonly used being the Vikram Samvat and the Shaka Samvat. The Vikram Samvat era started in 57 BCE, while the Shaka Samvat dates back to 78 CE. Different regions and communities in India may prefer one era over the other for cultural or historical reasons.

Festivals and Auspicious Days

Hindu festivals are traditionally observed according to the lunar cycle. Major festivals like Diwali (the festival of lights) and Holi (the festival of colors) are determined by the position of the Moon. Diwali, for example, is celebrated on the new moon day of the Hindu month of Kartika, while Holi is celebrated on the full moon day of the month of Phalguna.

Astrological Significance

The Hindu calendar also plays a crucial role in Hindu astrology, which is known as Jyotisha. It is used to calculate the positions of the planets and the lunar nodes at the time of a person's birth, which forms the basis for their horoscope and life predictions.

Regional Variations

There are several regional variations of the Hindu calendar, including the Tamil calendar, the Bengali calendar, and the Malayalam calendar. Each of these regional calendars has its own set of months, festivals, and astrological calculations, reflecting the rich diversity of the Hindu culture.

Modern Usage

Despite the widespread use of the Gregorian calendar for civil purposes, the Hindu calendar remains an integral part of daily life for many Hindus. It is used for religious and cultural events, astrology, and continues to influence various aspects of life in Hindu communities around the world.