Indian Calendar Systems: North, South, Tamil, Malayalam & Bengali Explained

 

The differences between South, North, Malayalam, Tamil, and West Bengal calendars primarily stem from variations in lunar and solar calculations, regional traditions, and historical influences. Here’s a breakdown:

1. North vs. South Indian Calendars

• North Indian Calendar (Purnimanta System): Lunar months end on the full moon day (Purnima). Common in states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh.
• South Indian Calendar (Amanta System): Lunar months end on the new moon day (Amavasya). Followed in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Maharashtra.
• The difference results in a 15-day shift in month names between the two systems, though festivals remain aligned.

2. Malayalam Calendar (Kollam Era)

• Used in Kerala, this is a solar calendar rather than a lunar one.
• Months are based on the movement of the sun through zodiac signs.
• The new year begins in Medam (April-May), unlike the Hindu lunar calendars.

3. Tamil Calendar

• A solar calendar followed in Tamil Nadu.
• Months are named after solar movements, starting with Chithirai (April-May).
• Used for agricultural, religious, and astrological purposes.

4. Bengali Calendar

• A solar calendar used in West Bengal.
• The new year starts with Pohela Boishakh (mid-April).
• Months are based on solar transitions, similar to the Tamil and Malayalam calendars.

Key Differences

Calendar Type	Region	Basis	New Year Month
North Indian	North India	Lunar (Purnimanta)	Chaitra (March-April)
South Indian	South India	Lunar (Amanta)	Chaitra (March-April)
Malayalam	Kerala	Solar	Medam (April-May)
Tamil	Tamil Nadu	Solar	Chithirai (April-May)
Bengali	West Bengal	Solar	Boishakh (April-May)

Despite these differences, major Hindu festivals like Diwali, Navaratri, and Makar Sankranti are celebrated across all regions, with slight variations in dates due to calendar systems.