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Society and Culture > Calendar & Holidays > Calendars

The Hindu (Indian National) Calendar

The Indian National Calendar, often called the “Hindu Calendar,” is based on both lunar and solar years. This calendar was introduced in 1957 in a government push for all of India to use the same calendar, but various traditional calendars are also used. The start of the Indian National Calendar year coincides with March 22, except in a leap year, when it coincides with March 21. The year is counted from the first year of the Saka era, in A.D. 78. The year 2009 translates to Saka era 1930-1931.

Month	Number of days
Caitra	30^*
Vaisakha	31
Jyaistha	31
Asadha	31
Sravana	31
Bhadra	31
Asvina	30
Kartika	30
Agrahayana	30
Pausa	30
Magha	30
Phalguna	30

* In a leap year Caitra has 31 days.

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The Hindu (Indian National) Calendar

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