Hindu Calendar-1 of 5

 The Hindu Calendar

Basics of Calendar Making

Calendars are used for regulating two essentially distinct types of human activities,

(a) Civic and administrative,

(b) Social and religious

In ancient and medieval times and even today, different countries and religions have developed their characteristic calendars to serve both purposes.

 Today in India, different parts of the country follow a distinct accounting system to observe the same ritual. Isn’t it Crazy? This is what appears to a layman, but actually, it is not.

The Gregorian calendar fulfils civic and administrative purposes and most of us have a fair idea of this calendar; however, our social and religious requirements are met by the Hindu calendar, without understanding our own calendar.

All religious, festivals, rituals, and social occasions are determined based on the Hindu calendar/almanac or a Panchang. One can find festivals and religious rituals almost every month. They apply either to the entire country or only to certain areas. This is because of the varying customs, religious beliefs, conventions, traditions, etc.

When do we observe this ritual, on the 6^th or the 7^th?

When is the Holi festival this year?

Why there is no विवाह मुहूर्त this month?

Why is the Hindu New Year on different dates?

Why is Makar Sankranti always on 14/15 January?

These questions often pop up when we refer to two different accounting systems, of time, ie, the Indian and Gregorian calendars. Indian calendar, by itself, is vast and it varies in form, place to place and reference frame (Lunar, Solar, Lunisolar and Zodiac signs).

Why should I know the Indian Calendar?

• - Understand how the calendar is constructed to align with the Earth's actual position in the zodiac.
• - Explore the unique features of the Indian Almanac, known as the Panchang.
• - Learn how the Panchang is used to determine religious festivals and social occasions.
• - Grasp the concept of seasons and their correlation with calendrical months in a way that is easy for anyone to understand.
• - Understand the significance of religious and ritual landmarks in relation to the zodiac.
• - Familiarize yourself with the dating rules adopted in various eras to accurately determine dates.
• - Know how to identify the correct epoch during excavations and archaeological surveys.

Calendars are based partly on science, (which cannot be violated) and some on man-made conventions. In Hindu calendars, the science part is 80 % and the conventions part is 20 %. "The fascinating twist lies in the fact that both the scientific aspects and conventions differ widely across the diverse regions of India."

The early societies were founded on agriculture and agricultural practices depended on seasonal weather conditions. The growth of Civilisation and Social life brought religious and national festivals. Hence people wanted to know in advance, as to:-

•  -When to prepare the ground for sowing/harvesting,
• - expect the onset of seasons,
• -full and New Moon,
• -observe a festival, carry out a religious ritual and so on.

As the French call their Almanac “Connaissance des Temps” (Knowledge of time)

In India the calendar-making process is quite ancient, beginning from the Vedic period, albeit in crude form, as compared to today. Indians possessed this astronomical knowledge, quite independently and not borrowed, as is the popular belief

The वेदांग ज्योतिष was more of a handbook on astronomical information which was used for 

•  Day-to-day life of people
•  Knowledge of seasons for agriculture
•  Religious purposes, fix suitable times for rituals and यज्ञः, times of New and Full Moon for दर्शपूर्णमास and चातुर्मस.
•  Rules and calculations for year beginnings, Solstices, equinoxes, Solar and Lunar eclipses and adjustment of lunar months to be in sync with Solar cycles.
•  In short, it was a precursor to पञ्चाङ्ग and the modern calendar

    My blog of 28 Jun Vedang Pd-1 refers. Vedang Pd -1

 The Indian calendar offers a comprehensive overview of various aspects of timekeeping, presented in the form of an almanac or Panchang. This calendar not only tracks astrological events but also encompasses details related to social rituals and the observance of religious festivals, highlighting its cultural significance. It is like a handy guide that covers all sorts of important details, making it a significant part of our everyday lives!

A unique feature of the Indian calendar is that if you have a basic understanding of astronomy and are familiar with current astronomical events, you can make a good estimation, of the month and time of year just by looking up at the night sky.

 

 

………to be continued with details of the Hindu calendar, Panchang

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References:-

1. SB Dixit " Bhartiya Jyotish Shastra" 
2. The Indian Calendar-Robert Sewell and SB Dixit
3. Cowasjee Patells Chronology
4. The book of Eras- Gen A Cunningham
5. Calendar Reforms Committee Report 
6. Ancient Indian Astronomy -RN Iyengar
7. The Calendars of India- VK Mishra