Hindu Month Calendar

The Hindu calendar follows 12 lunar months, running from Chaitra (March/April) through Phalguna (February/March). Two major conventions exist, in the Amanta system (followed in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Gujarat), each month ends on Amavasya (new moon). In the Purnimanta system (followed in most of North India), each month ends on Purnima (full moon).

Both track the same lunar cycle, only the boundary shifts. Every festival falls on the same Gregorian date regardless of which convention is used.

Regional calendars may name the first month differently, Chaitra in the Telugu and Marathi calendars, Baisakhi in the Bengali and Punjabi calendars, Kartik in the Gujarati calendar but the 12-month structure and the festivals within them remain consistent across all traditions.

Apart from these 12 months, an intercalary month called Adhik Masa (also called Purushottam Masa or Mal Masa) occurs roughly once every three years to realign the lunar calendar with the solar year. This extra month has its own distinct spiritual significance and practices.

Each month below covers its specific significance, the major festivals and observances within it, and the key dates for the current year. Select a month to explore its full details.