Indian national calendar facts for kids
The Indian national calendar is the official calendar used by the government of India. It is also known as the Saka calendar. This calendar helps India's government with official documents, news, and other communications.
How the Calendar Works
The Indian national calendar has 12 months, just like the calendar many of us use. Here's a look at its months, how long they are, and when they usually start in the Gregorian calendar (the one used worldwide):
| Month | Length | Start date (Gregorian) | |
| 1 | Chaitra | 30/31 | March 22 |
| 2 | Vaisakha | 31 | April 21 |
| 3 | Jyaistha | 31 | May 22 |
| 4 | Asadha | 31 | June 22 |
| 5 | Sravana | 31 | July 23 |
| 6 | Bhadra | 31 | August 23 |
| 7 | Asvina | 30 | September 23 |
| 8 | Kartika | 30 | October 23 |
| 9 | Margashirsh (Agrahayana) | 30 | November 22 |
| 10 | Pausa | 30 | December 22 |
| 11 | Magha | 30 | January 21 |
| 12 | Phalguna | 30 | February 20 |
You might notice that the first six months of the year all have 31 days. This is because the sun appears to move a bit slower across the sky during that part of the year.
In a leap year, the first month, Chaitra, has 31 days instead of 30. It starts on March 21 in a leap year.
Images for kids
-
This is a Mohar coin from King Prithvi Narayan Shah of Gorkha (which later became Nepal). It shows the date 1685 in the Saka era, which is the year 1763 in the Gregorian calendar.
See also
In Spanish: Calendario shaka para niños
