The Hindu Calendar: Festivals & Timekeeping Explained

Explore the Hindu Lunisolar Calendar, Vikram Samvat 2082, and discover its timekeeping system, festivals, and spiritual significance.
Infographic: The Hindu Calendar

A Journey Through Time

Exploring the Hindu Lunisolar Calendar of Vikram Samvat 2082 (2025-26 CE)

The Building Blocks of Time

🕉️

MĀS

A lunar month (~29.5 days), marking the moon's orbit. An extra month, 'Adhik Mas', is added every few years to align with the solar cycle.

🌓

PAKSHA

Each month has two fortnights: 'Shukla Paksha' (waxing moon) and 'Krishna Paksha' (waning moon), each lasting about 15 days.

☀️

TITHI

A lunar day, defined by a 12-degree increase in the angle between the sun and moon. Its length can vary from 20 to 27 hours.

The Year at a Glance

Chaitra (Mar-Apr)

The first month, heralding spring and the new year.

🎉 Gudi Padwa, Rama Navami

Vaishakha & Jyeshtha (Apr-Jun)

The peak of summer, marked by auspicious days.

🎉 Akshaya Tritiya

Ashadha & Shravana (Jun-Aug)

The monsoon season begins, a time for devotion and honoring teachers.

🎉 Guru Purnima, Raksha Bandhan

Bhadrapada (Aug-Sep)

A month of major festivals celebrating divine births.

🎉 Krishna Janmashtami, Ganesh Chaturthi

Ashvina & Kartika (Sep-Nov)

The heart of the festival season, culminating in the festival of lights.

🎉 Navaratri, Dussehra, Diwali

Margashirsha & Pausha (Nov-Jan)

A quieter winter period, leading up to the harvest festival.

🎉 Makar Sankranti

Magha & Phalguna (Jan-Mar)

Late winter, featuring a night of devotion to Shiva and the vibrant festival of colors.

🎉 Maha Shivaratri, Holi

Festival Spotlight

🎨

Holi

The festival of colors celebrating spring's arrival and the triumph of good over evil.

🪔

Diwali

The five-day festival of lights, symbolizing light's victory over darkness.

💃

Navaratri

A nine-night festival honoring the Goddess Durga in her many forms.

🐘

Ganesh Chaturthi

Celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles.

🤝

Raksha Bandhan

Honors the bond between siblings, marked by the tying of the sacred rakhi thread.

🏹

Dussehra

Commemorates Lord Rama's victory over the demon king Ravana.

Festival Seasons

The year's festivals can be grouped into distinct seasons, each with its own cultural and spiritual flavor. The autumn period is particularly dense with major celebrations.