A calendar is a systematic and referential arrangement of days, months, and years. There are different types of calendars available worldwide, and the Indian version proves to be a prominent scientific expression of India’s identity. Parliament of India adopted the ‘Indian National Calendar’ constitutionally in 1957.
The Indian National Calendar is based on the Saka era. The calendar starts from the month of Chaitra falling on 22 March each year (21 March in a leap year) and has a duration of 365 days. The base of this calendar is based upon the lunisolar reckoning of time. Just like a normal Gregorian calendar, the Saka calendar also consists of 365 days bonded together in the form of 12 months.
Why is it important?
The Saka calendar is connected with the rich history of the Indian subcontinent and is also well-known beyond the Indian borders. For instance, in Bali, the Saka New Year is celebrated as the Day of Silence, called “Nyepi”.
On the occasion of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, Vijnana Bharati in association with the Ministry of Culture, a two-day conference and exhibition on the National Calendar of India has been scheduled on Vaisakh 2 & 3, 1944 (April 22-23, 2022) at Ujjain and Dongla (a place on the tropic of Cancer).