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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
**
Gregorian (Christian)
Calendar months
***
The year of
Arabic Months
Caitra
30/31 days
March 20/21 days
Muharram
Vaishaaka
31
April 21
Safar
Jyaistha
31
May 22
Rabi-ul-Awwal
Aashaada
31
June 22
Rabi-Us- Sani
Shraavana
31
July 23
Jamadil- Ul-Awwal
Bhaadrapada
31
Aug 23
Jamadi-Us-Sani
Aashvayuja
31
Sept 23
Rajab
Kaarttika
30
Oct 23
Ramzan
Aagrahaayana
30
Nov 22
Shawnal
Pausha
30
Dec 22
Zilq ada
Maagha
30
Jan 21
Zilg ada
Phaalguna
30
Feb 20
Zilhajja
* 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.