The Hindu Calendar is a complex system that is based on both the cycles of the Sun and the Moon. While the lunar calendar is the most commonly used in Hinduism, there is also a solar calendar that is used for specific purposes, such as the calculation of the seasons and the dates of festivals. In this article, we will explore the Hindu solar calendar and the important dates and festivals that it includes.
What is the Hindu Solar Calendar?
The Hindu solar calendar is also known as the Saura calendar, and it is based on the position of the Sun. It consists of twelve months, which are based on the movement of the Sun through the zodiac signs. Each month is named after a specific zodiac sign, and it begins on the day of the new Moon. The months in the Hindu solar calendar are as follows:
Mesh (Aries) - March 21 - April 20
Vrishabh (Taurus) - April 21 - May 21
Mithun (Gemini) - May 22 - June 21
Kark (Cancer) - June 22 - July 22
Simha (Leo) - July 23 - August 23
Kanya (Virgo) - August 24 - September 23
Tula (Libra) - September 24 - October 23
Vrishchik (Scorpio) - October 24 - November 22
Dhanu (Sagittarius) - November 23 - December 22
Makar (Capricorn) - December 23 - January 20
Kumbh (Aquarius) - January 21 - February 19
Meen (Pisces) - February 20 - March 20
The Hindu solar calendar is used primarily for the calculation of seasons and agriculture. It is also used to determine the dates of some important festivals.
Important Dates and Festivals in the Hindu Solar Calendar
Makar Sankranti: Makar Sankranti is a festival that marks the transition of the Sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn. It is celebrated on January 14th every year and is one of the most important festivals in the Hindu solar calendar. It is a time for offering prayers to the Sun and is also associated with the harvest season.
Vasant Panchami: It is celebrated on the fifth day of the Hindu month of Magha (usually in January or February) and is associated with the worship of the goddess Saraswati, who is the patron of learning and the arts.
Holi: Holi is a festival of colors that is celebrated on the full Moon day in the Hindu month of Phalguna (usually in March). It is a time for celebrating the victory of good over evil and is also associated with the arrival of spring.
Rama Navami: Rama Navami is a festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Rama, one of the most revered deities in Hinduism. It is celebrated on the ninth day of the Hindu month of Chaitra (usually in March or April) and is a time for offering prayers and performing rituals in honor of Lord Rama.
Akshaya Tritiya: Akshaya Tritiya is a festival that marks the beginning of the harvest season. It is celebrated on the third day of the Hindu month of Vaisakha (usually in April or May) and is a time for offering prayers and performing rituals to ensure a bountiful harvest. Visit Birthastro to know more.
No comments yet