The Kerala Hindu calendar and the North Indian Hindu calendar both have their roots in ancient Indian astronomy and astrology but have several differences due to regional variations in traditions, astronomical calculations, and cultural practices. Here are the main differences:
Basis of Calculation:
- Solar vs. Lunar Calendar:
- Kerala Hindu Calendar: Primarily a solar calendar, known as the Malayalam calendar or Kollam Era (Kolla Varsham). The months are based on the solar transit through different zodiac signs.
- North Indian Hindu Calendar: Primarily a lunisolar calendar, with months based on the phases of the moon. The year is divided into 12 lunar months, and a leap month (Adhik Maas) is added approximately every three years to align with the solar year.
Months and New Year:
- Month Names and Sequence:
- Kerala Hindu Calendar: Months are named as Chingam, Kanni, Thulam, Vrischikam, Dhanu, Makaram, Kumbham, Meenam, Medam, Edavam, Mithunam, and Karkidakam. The new year starts with Chingam (around mid-August).
- North Indian Hindu Calendar: Months are named as Chaitra, Vaisakha, Jyeshtha, Ashadha, Shravana, Bhadrapada, Ashwin, Kartika, Margashirsha, Pausha, Magha, and Phalguna. The new year often starts with Chaitra (around March-April).
Festivals and Observances:
- Timing of Festivals:
- Kerala Hindu Calendar: Festivals are based on solar dates. For instance, Vishu (Kerala New Year) is celebrated when the sun enters the Medam rashi.
- North Indian Hindu Calendar: Festivals are based on lunar dates. For example, Diwali is celebrated on the new moon day of the month of Kartika.
Zodiac Signs and Rashi:
- Rashi Transition:
- Kerala Hindu Calendar: Rashi (zodiac signs) transition based on solar transits.
- North Indian Hindu Calendar: Rashi transitions are considered according to lunar positions.
Cultural Variations:
- Regional Practices:
- Kerala Hindu Calendar: Specific regional festivals such as Onam, which is celebrated in Chingam, the first month of the Malayalam calendar.
- North Indian Hindu Calendar: Festivals like Holi, Raksha Bandhan, and Navaratri have particular importance and are observed based on lunar calculations.
Calendar Era:
- Year Calculation:
- Kerala Hindu Calendar: The year count starts from 825 AD, marking the beginning of the Kollam Era.
- North Indian Hindu Calendar: Often uses Vikram Samvat, which started in 57 BCE, or Shaka Samvat, which started in 78 CE.
Specificity in Days:
- Panchangam (Almanac):
- Kerala Hindu Calendar: The Panchangam includes solar dates and precise times of solar transits.
- North Indian Hindu Calendar: The Panchangam includes tithi (lunar day), nakshatra (lunar mansion), yoga (auspicious periods), and karana (half of tithi).
Convergence and Divergence:
- Convergence:
- Both calendars align during certain festivals like Maha Shivaratri and Krishna Janmashtami, albeit celebrated on slightly different days due to the different calculation methods.
- Divergence:
- Significant divergence can be observed in the celebration dates of festivals and new year, reflecting the regional adaptations and historical development of Hindu calendrical systems.
These differences illustrate the rich diversity within Hindu traditions and practices across India, influenced by geography, history, and local customs.