Inner DarshanLearn accurate information about all festivals from the Hindu calendar
India is home to people of many religions and sects, and each religion has its own festivals. We often find ourselves confused about the exact dates of these festivals. To address this issue, we've brought you the Hindu Calendar 2026. This calendar provides accurate information about all the major fasts, festivals, and holidays throughout the year, all in one place, so you can plan your days more effectively.
Names of Months in the Hindu Calendar
The Hindu calendar, like the English calendar, consists of 12 months and approximately 365 days. However, the names of the months are different. The Hindu calendar begins with the month of Chaitra and ends with Phalguna.
The names of the 12 months according to the Hindu calendar are as follows:
- Chaitra
- Vaisakha
- Jyeshtha
- Ashadha
- Shravan
- Bhadra (Bhadrapada)
- Ashwin
- Kartik
- Agrahayana (Agahan)
- Paush
- Magh
- Phalguna
When and how did the Hindu calendar begin?
The Vikram Samvat or Hindu calendar was started by Emperor Vikramaditya in 58 BC. According to religious beliefs, the Brahma Purana states that Lord Brahma began creating the universe on this day. This is why the Hindu New Year begins on Chaitra Shukla Pratipada. This calendar determines not only the months but also the beginning of a 7-day week.
When does the day change in Hinduism?
While the Western calendar considers the new day to begin at 12 midnight, the Hindu calendar considers the day to begin with sunrise. Night follows sunset, and a day's cycle is completed only when a new sunrise occurs. This calculation is considered important from both scientific and spiritual perspectives.
Structure of the Hindu Calendar
The Hindu calendar has 12 months, and each month is divided into two sections, called Shukla Paksha and Krishna Paksha. Each Paksha has 15 days. This division is based on the phases of the moon and these phases have special significance for all religious activities.