HINDU CALENDAR
पञ्चाङ्गम् — The Five Limbs of Time
The Hindu calendar (Panchanga) is a luni-solar system — months follow the moon, but the year follows the sun. It weaves together astronomy, astrology, and sacred time. Six seasons (Ritus), twelve lunar months, and a rich tapestry of festivals mark the eternal dance of cosmic rhythms.
SIX SEASONS
षड्ऋतवः
TWELVE LUNAR MONTHS
द्वादश मासाः
MAJOR FESTIVALS
प्रमुख उत्सवाः
The Hindu calendar is not monolithic — different regions of India (and the diaspora) follow variations. The Purnimant system (used in North India) and Amant system (used in South India) differ in when a month begins. Solar calendars (Saka, Tamil, Bengali) are also widely used alongside the lunar system. This diversity reflects the vastness of the tradition.