What are the 12 Hindu months

The twelve months of the traditional Hindu lunar calendar are Chaitra, Vaishakha, Jyeshtha, Ashadha, Shravana, Bhadrapada, Ashwin, Kartik, Margashirsha, Pausha, Magha, and Phalguna. Unlike the fixed-date Gregorian calendar, these months follow the cycles of the moon, with each month beginning on the day after the new moon (Amavasya) or full moon (Purnima), depending on regional tradition. This means Hindu calendar months shift relative to Gregorian dates each year, typically beginning in March or April with Chaitra.

These months structure the Hindu religious calendar, determining the timing of major festivals, fasting days, and auspicious occasions. Chaitra marks the traditional new year in many regions, while Kartik is considered especially sacred for worship and pilgrimage. Different regions of India may use slight variations in naming or month order—for instance, some areas start the year with Margashirsha instead of Chaitra. Understanding this lunar system is essential for anyone observing Hindu religious practices or seeking to align spiritual observances with traditional timekeeping, as major celebrations like Diwali, Holi, and Navaratri are all calculated according to these lunar months rather than fixed Gregorian dates.