The North Indian Hindu calendar and the Marathi Hindu calendar, while both based on the traditional lunisolar Hindu calendar system, have several notable differences due to regional practices and cultural variations. Here’s an overview of the distinctions:
The main difference is that a month in North India calendar begins after Purnima or full moon day and ends on next Purnima. A month in Marathi calendar begins after Amavasya or new moon day and ends on the next Amavasya.
North Indian calendar is referred to as Purnimath and Maharashtrian calendar is referred to as Amavasyath.
1. Regional Names and Traditions:
North Indian Hindu Calendar:
- Predominantly used in states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, and Haryana.
- Festivals and months may have different names compared to the Marathi calendar.
- Follows the Vikram Samvat or the Shaka Samvat era depending on the region.
Marathi Hindu Calendar (Maharashtra):
- Used mainly in Maharashtra and by Marathi-speaking communities.
- Follows the Shalivahana Shaka (Shaka Samvat) era predominantly.
- Specific cultural practices and regional festivals are prominent.
2. Month Names and Starting Points:
North Indian Hindu Calendar:
- Lunar months: Chaitra, Vaisakha, Jyeshtha, Ashadha, Shravana, Bhadrapada, Ashwin, Kartika, Margashirsha, Pausha, Magha, and Phalguna.
- Starts the year with Chaitra around March-April.
Marathi Hindu Calendar:
- Lunar months: Chaitra, Vaishakh, Jyeshtha, Ashadh, Shravan, Bhadrapad, Ashwin, Kartik, Margashirsh, Paush, Magh, and Falgun.
- Also starts the year with Chaitra around March-April, but the new year day, known as Gudi Padwa, is celebrated with distinct Marathi cultural elements.
3. Festival Observances:
North Indian Hindu Calendar:
- Celebrates festivals like Diwali, Holi, Raksha Bandhan, and Navratri, often with slight variations in rituals and dates due to local traditions.
Marathi Hindu Calendar:
- Celebrates festivals such as Gudi Padwa (Marathi New Year), Ganesh Chaturthi, Makar Sankranti, and Diwali with specific Marathi customs.
- Ganesh Chaturthi is a major festival with elaborate celebrations, especially in Maharashtra.
4. New Year Celebration:
North Indian Hindu Calendar:
- In some parts, Chaitra Shukla Pratipada marks the New Year, but the specific New Year celebration can vary (e.g., Baisakhi in Punjab).
Marathi Hindu Calendar:
- Gudi Padwa marks the New Year and is celebrated with much enthusiasm and traditional practices unique to Maharashtra.
5. Panchang (Almanac) Differences:
North Indian Hindu Calendar:
- Panchangs or almanacs used may have slight differences in calculations, interpretations, and presentation styles compared to the Marathi Panchang.
- Different astrological and astronomical conventions might be followed.
Marathi Hindu Calendar:
- Marathi Panchang includes local festivals, rituals, and auspicious days (muhurat) specific to Marathi culture.
- Regional variations in tithi (lunar day) calculations might be observed.
6. Cultural Influence:
North Indian Hindu Calendar:
- Influenced by the broader northern Indian culture, including variations due to local dialects and customs.
- Influence of Sanskrit and Hindi languages is strong in the names and practices.
Marathi Hindu Calendar:
- Strongly influenced by Marathi language and culture.
- Local legends, folklore, and Maharashtrian history are often reflected in the calendar practices and festivals.
7. Language and Script:
North Indian Hindu Calendar:
- Usually written in Devanagari script, and the language can be Sanskrit or regional languages like Hindi.
Marathi Hindu Calendar:
- Written in Devanagari script but with Marathi language specifics.
These differences highlight the regional diversity within the broader framework of the Hindu lunisolar calendar system, with each calendar adapting to local traditions, languages, and cultural practices.