Decoding Hindu Dates
Unveiling the Calculation in Hindu Panchang
Thursday, December 7, 2023
- Day: Thursday
- Tithi: Dashami
- Nakshatra: Hast
- Karan: Vanij
- Yog: Ayushman
- Rashi: Kanya
Comprehending Hindu Date Calculation
According to the Hindu Panchang, dates are derived from the time span between the moon’s movement, approximately 12 degrees increment between the sun and moon.
Lunar Days’ Variation
The timing of lunar days can fluctuate, ranging from 21 to 26 hours based on the Hindu Panchang.
Vedic Astrology Insights
Within a lunar month, Vedic astrology observes 30 dates, distinguishing each as Ekadashi, Dwadashi, and others.
Lunar Phases and Cycle
The calendar discerns 15 dates within the Krishna Paksha and the subsequent 15 in the Shukla Paksha. After the 15th date, the calendar marks Amavasya followed by Purnima.
Monthly Cycle Continuation
This sequence perpetuates month after month, akin to the nomenclature of English months in the English calendar, Hindi calendar bears names for Hindi months.
Naming the Dates
Unraveling the Sequence of Tithis
- Pratipada Tithi
- Dwitiya Tithi
- Tritiya Tithi
- Chaturthi Tithi
- Panchami Tithi
- Shashthi Tithi
- Saptami Tithi
- Ashtami Tithi
- Navami Tithi
- Dashami Tithi
- Ekadashi Tithi
- Dwadashi Tithi
- Trayodashi Tithi
- Chaturdashi Tithi
- Amavasya
- Purnima
Evolution of Time Perception
Around 40-50 years ago, the awareness about dates resembling today’s Aaj Ki Tithi and the English calendar was minimal. During that era, date calculation predominantly relied on the Hindu Panchang in India.
Cultural Significance
Rituals, festivities, and various practices linked to the ancient Hindu traditions are still observed today based on the dates from the Hindu Panchang.