The Kerala Malayalam Hindu Calendar and the Kannada Hindu Calendar in Karnataka are two regional variations of the traditional Hindu calendar used primarily in the southern states of India. Despite being based on similar principles and sharing many common features, they exhibit differences due to regional customs, astronomical calculations, and linguistic variations. Here are the main differences between the two:
1. Lunar vs. Solar Calendar
- Kerala Malayalam Calendar: Primarily follows the solar calendar system, known as the Malayalam era (Kolla Varsham). It starts from the month of Chingam, which usually begins around mid-August.
- Kannada Hindu Calendar: Follows a lunisolar system, incorporating both lunar and solar elements. The lunar months are significant for religious observances, while solar months are used for civil purposes.
2. New Year
- Kerala: The New Year, Vishu, is celebrated on the first day of Medam (usually around April 14th), coinciding with the solar cycle.
- Karnataka: The New Year, Ugadi, is based on the lunar cycle and falls on the first day of the Chaitra month, which usually occurs in March or April.
3. Months and Naming
- Kerala: The months are named in Malayalam, such as Chingam, Kanni, Thulam, Vrischikam, Dhanu, Makaram, Kumbham, Meenam, Medam, Edavam, Mithunam, and Karkidakam.
- Karnataka: The months are named in Kannada, closely following the Sanskrit names like Chaitra, Vaishakha, Jyeshtha, Ashadha, Shravana, Bhadrapada, Ashwin, Kartika, Margashirsha, Pausha, Magha, and Phalguna.
4. Regional Festivals
- Kerala: Major festivals include Onam (celebrated in the month of Chingam), Vishu, Thrissur Pooram, and various temple festivals.
- Karnataka: Major festivals include Ugadi, Mysore Dasara, Sankranti, and the annual car festival of the Udupi Krishna Temple.
5. Cultural Influences
- Kerala: The calendar and festivals are deeply influenced by local traditions and the agrarian lifestyle. For instance, Onam marks the harvest season.
- Karnataka: The calendar reflects a mix of agrarian practices, historical influences from the Vijayanagara Empire, and local Kannada customs.
6. Astronomical Calculations
- Kerala: Uses the Drik Ganitha (observational astronomy) method for calculations, which may cause slight variations in festival dates compared to other regions.
- Karnataka: Also uses the Drik Ganitha method but follows the rules laid out by the Surya Siddhanta and other classical texts, sometimes resulting in different dates for lunar events and festivals.
7. Language and Script
- Kerala: Malayalam script and language are used in the calendar.
- Karnataka: Kannada script and language are used.
8. Regional Observances
- Kerala: Observances like the Malayalam New Year and Vishu are unique to the region.
- Karnataka: Specific observances like Ugadi and the regional emphasis on Navaratri and Deepavali reflect local traditions.
While both calendars are rooted in the broader framework of the Hindu lunisolar calendar, their differences highlight the rich diversity in cultural practices, linguistic traditions, and regional observances in South India. Understanding these distinctions helps in appreciating the unique cultural identities within the Indian subcontinent.