Eternal India Encyclopedia

NATIONAL SYMBOLS

Eternal India encyclopedia

NATIONAL CALENDAR

Origin & Features The National Calendar is based on the Saka era with Chaitra as its first month and a year of 365 days. The great Mahabharatha war - Beginning of Kaliyuga. Then came the Kali samvat (era) - The era of Vikramadithya of Ujjaini and the Saka Era - founded by King Saka. The northern region followed the solar calendar. The southern regions - Lunar-Solar calendar. The Saka year has 365 days with Chaitra as its first month corresponding to March 22 in a normal year and March 21 in a leap year. The national calendar commenced on Chaitra Saka 1879 corresponding to 22, March 1957 A.D. Adopted from 22, March 1957 along with the Gregorian Calendar. First Chaitra falling on 22nd March normally and on 21st March in leap year.

Official purposes

1. Gazette of India. 2. News broadcast by All India Radio. 3. Calendar issued by Government of India. 4. Government communications addressed to members of public.

* Saka Calendar Hindu Caitra 30/31 days

** Gregorian (Christian) Calendar months

*** The year of Arabic Months

March 20/21 days

Muharram

Vaishaaka 31 Jyaistha 31 Aashaada 31 Shraavana 31

April 21 May 22 June 22 July 23 Aug 23 Sept 23 Oct 23 Nov 22 Dec 22

Safar

Rabi-ul-Awwal Rabi-Us- Sani

Jamadil- Ul-Awwal

Bhaadrapada 31 Aashvayuja 31

Jamadi-Us-Sani

Rajab

Kaarttika 30

Ramzan Shawnal Zilq ada Zilg ada Zilhajja

Aagrahaayana 30

Pausha 30 Maagha 30

Jan 21

Phaalguna 30

Feb 20

* The traditional Hindu calendar 'Panchaanga' (five limbs) deals with solar and lunar days, 27 or 28 nakshatra, yoga (lucky conjunction of planets) and karanas (a special division). **The confusion regarding the new year amongst various sections made the formation of a calendar imperative. ***The lunar calendar is used by Muslims for calculating the date and time of their festivals etc.