The Hindu calendars of Kerala and Odisha are unique systems rooted in regional customs and astronomical calculations, reflecting the diverse cultural practices within India. Here are the key differences between the two:
1. Name and Regional Influence:
- Kerala Hindu Calendar:
- Known as the Malayalam Calendar or Kollam Era.
- Predominantly used in the state of Kerala.
- Odisha Hindu Calendar:
- Referred to as the Odia Calendar or Panjika.
- Mainly used in the state of Odisha.
2. Era and Starting Point:
- Kerala Hindu Calendar:
- The Kollam Era started in 825 CE.
- Odisha Hindu Calendar:
- Based on the Saka Era, which began in 78 CE.
3. Months and Terminology:
- Kerala Hindu Calendar:
- The months have unique names and are different from other Hindu calendars.
- Examples include Chingam, Kanni, Thulam, Vrischikam, etc.
- Odisha Hindu Calendar:
- Months are similar to the ones in the North Indian lunar calendar but may have slight variations in pronunciation.
- Examples include Chaitra, Vaishakha, Jyeshtha, Ashadha, etc.
4. Calendar Type:
- Kerala Hindu Calendar:
- A solar calendar where months are based on the transit of the Sun into different zodiac signs.
- Odisha Hindu Calendar:
- A lunisolar calendar that considers both lunar phases and solar transits.
5. New Year:
- Kerala Hindu Calendar:
- New Year, called Vishu, is celebrated around April 14 or 15, when the Sun enters the zodiac sign of Aries.
- Odisha Hindu Calendar:
- New Year, called Maha Vishuva Sankranti or Pana Sankranti, also occurs around mid-April when the Sun enters Aries, aligning with the traditional Saka Era calendar.
6. Festivals:
- Kerala Hindu Calendar:
- Major festivals include Vishu, Onam, Thiruvathira, and Makaravilakku.
- Odisha Hindu Calendar:
- Important festivals include Raja, Ratha Yatra, Durga Puja, and Kartik Purnima.
7. Astronomical Calculations:
- Kerala Hindu Calendar:
- Relies on the principles laid out in the Surya Siddhanta and Drik Ganitha (astronomical calculations).
- Odisha Hindu Calendar:
- Also follows the Surya Siddhanta and incorporates the traditional lunar cycles to determine tithis (lunar days) and other astrological events.
8. Regional Variations in Rituals and Customs:
- Kerala Hindu Calendar:
- Customary practices like the Vishukkani (the first sight on Vishu) and the intricate rituals during Onam reflect the agricultural and maritime culture of Kerala.
- Odisha Hindu Calendar:
- Rituals like Boita Bandana (floating of boats) during Kartik Purnima and the unique celebration of Raja (a festival of fertility) highlight Odisha's agrarian traditions.
The Kerala and Odisha Hindu calendars, while rooted in the broader Hindu tradition, exhibit distinct regional characteristics. The Kerala calendar is primarily solar, marking months by the sun's transit through the zodiac signs, while the Odisha calendar is lunisolar, balancing both lunar and solar cycles. These differences in structure influence regional festivities, rituals, and daily life, showcasing the rich diversity within Hindu cultural practices.