Hindu Nav Varsh 2026: The Year Starts From Chaitra, Not January, Read The Importance Of 12 Months Of Hindu Calendar.
The 12 months of the Hindu calendar are not just dates, but a confluence of science and spirituality. Read complete information about the importance, festivals and seasonal changes of every month from Chaitra to Falgun in this article by Divya Gautam.
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Divya Gautam, Astropatri. When we calculate time, English months often come to mind, but the real roots of Indian culture lie in the Hindu calendar. The Hindu calendar is not just a set of dates, but it is a wonderful scientific way of understanding the movements of the Sun, Moon and constellations.
Just as the Gregorian calendar is followed for business and administrative functions across the world, all our auspicious functions, festivals and spiritual practices are scheduled according to the Hindu months.
These twelve months of the calendar not only give us information about weather changes, but also pave the way for the correct functioning of our lives with the changing energies of the universe. Let us understand this ancient and accurate time calculation method in detail.
Importance and celebration of Hindu months
This is the first month of the Hindu New Year. From this month the beauty of spring begins and Chaitra Navratri is celebrated. At this time nature is laden with new leaves and flowers, which symbolizes a new beginning in life.
The month of Vaishakh ushers in summer. An auspicious festival like Akshaya Tritiya comes in this month. This month is very important from the farming point of view because Rabi crops are harvested at this time.
It is considered to be the hottest month of the year. The importance of water increases as the heat of the sun increases, that is why festivals like 'Nirjala Ekadashi' and 'Ganga Dussehra' are celebrated in this month which remind us of water conservation.
With Ashadh comes the rainy season. This month is very special from the spiritual point of view because 'Guru Purnima' falls at this time. Chaturmas also starts from this month, which is the best time for sadhana.
As soon as the name of Sawan comes, the mind is filled with devotion to Shiva. Greenery all around and drizzle make this month very pleasant. The holy festival of Rakshabandhan is also celebrated on the full moon day of this month.
The month of Bhado is a time of fasting and observing rules. In this month, big festivals like the birth anniversary of Lord Shri Krishna i.e. 'Janmashtami' and 'Ganesh Chaturthi' are celebrated, which fill life with devotion and joy.
Autumn begins from this month. Pitru Paksha and then Shardiya Navratri arrives in the month of Ashwin itself. 'Dussehra', the festival of victory of good over evil, also adds to the beauty of this month.
Kartik month is considered one of the most sacred months. The festival of lights 'Deepawali' falls in this month. At this time the sky is clear and the courage to move forward with new hopes in the mind becomes even stronger.
It is also called the month of 'Aghaan'. Lord Shri Krishna has described himself as 'Margashirsha' in months in Geeta. At this time mild cold starts and the atmosphere remains very satvik and calm.
The month of Paush is the time of severe cold and sun worship. The festival of 'Makar Sankranti' falls in this month, when the Sun moves towards Uttarayan. This time is considered very auspicious for charity and restraint.
Bathing in rivers has special significance in the month of Magh. 'Magh Mela' is held in Prayagraj at this time. The festival of Basant Panchami also falls in this month, which is the time to worship Mother Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge and arts.
It is the last month of the Hindu year. As soon as Phalgun arrives, fun fills the air and the festival of 'Holi' brings a shower of colours. Mahashivratri is also celebrated in this month, which symbolizes the completion of sadhana.
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