Indian national calendar

The Indian national calendar (sometimes called Saka calendar) is the official civil calendar in India. It is used by the Gazette of India, news broadcasts by All India Radio, and in calendars and communications issued by the Government of India.

 Calendar structure 
 Month Length Start date (Gregorian) 1  Chaitra   30/31  March 22*  2 Vaisakha   31  April 21 3 Jyaistha  31  May 22 4 Asadha  31  June 22 5 Sravana   31  July 23 6 Bhadra   31  August 23 7 Asvina   30  September 23 8 Kartika   30  October 23 9 Margashirsh (Agrahayana)   30  November 22  10 Pausa   30  December 22 11 Magha   30  January 21  12 Phalguna   30  February 20

The months in the first half of the year all have 31 days. This was done to take in account for the slower movement of the sun across the sky during that time.

In leap years, Chaitra has 31 days and starts on March 21. 

 Other websites 
 Calendars and their History (by L.E. Doggett) 
 Indian Calendars (by Leow Choon Lian, pdf, 1.22mb)
 Positional astronomy in India
 India Image website 
 Hindu Panchang

Category:Calendars
Category:India