Months · Seasons · Pakshas · Moon

Hindu Sacred Calendar — Months, Seasons, Pakshas & Moon

Explore sacred months, ritus, lunar fortnights, recurring vows, and an interactive moon-shape guide

Sanatana Dharma maps holiness onto time: lunar fortnights, six ritus, sacred months with their deities and festivals, and recurring windows like Ekadashi and Pradosha. These guides expand each theme in English and Hindi—and invite you to watch the moon change night by night.

Daily Panchang → Interactive moon shapes →

हिन्दी English

Ritu · Masa · Paksha · Tithi

Sacred time nested within time

From six seasons to twelve months, two lunar fortnights, and thirty tithis—each ring gives context to the next.

One sacred year Cycles live within cycles
  1. Vasanta Ritu
  2. Greeshma Ritu
  3. Varsha Ritu
  4. Sharad Ritu
  5. Hemanta Ritu
  6. Shishira Ritu
  1. Chaitra
  2. Vaishakha
  3. Jyeshtha
  4. Ashadha
  5. Shravana (Savan)
  6. Bhadrapada
  7. Ashvina
  8. Kartika
  9. Margashirsha
  10. Pausha
  11. Magha
  12. Phalguna
  1. Shukla Paksha
  2. Krishna Paksha
Recurring sacred periods overlay the whole cycle
EkadashiPradoshamChaturmasAdhik Maas (Purushottam Maas)

Lunar fortnights (Pakshas)

Shukla Paksha Bright or Waxing Fortnight Krishna Paksha Dark or Waning Fortnight

Sacred months

July – August Shravana (Savan) The holiest month for Shaivism. Devotees observe strict vegetarianism and fasting, especially on Savan Somvars (Mondays) and Mangala Gauri Vrats (Tuesdays). Kanwar Yatra pilgrimages take place. August – September Bhadrapada (Bhadra) A month rich in divine birth celebrations (Jayantis) and intense devotional practices. September – October Ashvina Transitions from ancestor reverence during Pitru Paksha to the grand celebration of divine feminine power (Shakti) and victory of good over evil. October – November Kartika Revered as the holiest month for Vaishnavism and general spiritual practice. Lighting lamps (Deep Daan), early morning holy baths (Kartik Snan), and charity yield immense merit. November – December Margashirsha In the Bhagavad Gita (10.35), Lord Krishna states, 'Among months, I am Margashirsha.' Ideal for scriptural study, Gita chanting, and early morning prayers. January – February Magha Dedicated to holy river dips, sun worship, and intellectual pursuits. February – March Phalguna Marks the end of the traditional Hindu year, celebrating cosmic dissolution, devotion, and joy. March – April Chaitra The first month of the Hindu lunar calendar, signifying new creation and spiritual vigor. April – May Vaishakha Known for charity, offering water/food, and high spiritual merit.

Six seasons (Ritus)

Vasanta Ritu Spring Season Greeshma Ritu Summer Season Varsha Ritu Monsoon / Rainy Season Sharad Ritu Autumn Season Hemanta Ritu Pre-Winter Season Shishira Ritu Winter Season

Recurring sacred periods

Ekadashi Sacred day dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Devotees fast (avoiding grains and beans) to cleanse the body, refine consciousness, and deepen devotion. Pradosham A 3-hour twilight window around sunset sacred to Lord Shiva. Ideal for Shiva Pooja and chanting to dissolve karmic obstacles. Chaturmas Period when Lord Vishnu is said to be in cosmic sleep (Yoga Nidra). Monks and householders observe vows of austerity, reduced travel, simple food, and scriptural study. Adhik Maas (Purushottam Maas) Dedicated exclusively to spiritual practice, japa, meditation, and charity. Named 'Purushottam Maas' after Lord Vishnu.

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