hindu calendar
Definition
Noun: A traditional lunisolar calendar system used primarily to determine the dates of Hindu religious festivals and observances. It is characterized by its synchronization of lunar months with the solar year, achieved by periodically inserting an intercalary month (an extra month) to reconcile the difference. This intercalation typically occurs once every three years, specifically in a month that contains two new moons.
Usage
The Hindu calendar is used to schedule religious ceremonies, festivals, and auspicious days. - The date for Diwali is determined by the Hindu calendar. - According to the Hindu calendar, the new year begins in the month of Chaitra.
Advanced Usage
- Astrological Basis: The calendar's calculations are deeply tied to Vedic astrology, with months and days considered more or less auspicious based on planetary positions.
- Regional Variations: While the core system is pan-Hindu, there are several regional versions (e.g., the Vikrami calendar, the Shalivahana calendar) that may have different starting points or month names but follow the same lunisolar principle.
Variants and Related Words
- Panchangam (noun): A Hindu almanac that provides detailed daily information based on the Hindu calendar, including tithi (lunar day), nakshatra (constellation), yoga, karana, and planetary positions.
- Lunisolar calendar (noun): The broader category of calendars to which the Hindu calendar belongs, which combines lunar and solar cycles.
Synonyms
- Indian national calendar (Note: This is a specific, modern civil calendar adopted in 1957, which is also used alongside the traditional religious calendar. It is solar-based.)
- Traditional Indian calendar
Related Terms and Concepts
- Intercalary month (Adhik Maas or Mala Maas): The extra month inserted to align the lunar and solar cycles.
- Tithi: A lunar day in the Hindu calendar, a key unit for determining religious events.
- Samvatsara: A year in the cycle of 60 years in the Hindu calendar, each with a specific name.
Noun
-
the lunisolar calendar governing the religious life of Hindus; an extra month is inserted after every month in which there are two new moons (once every three years)
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