Desi Mahine (Desi Months) in Indian Hindu Calendar

Desi Months (Desi Mahine) in Indian Hindu Calendar

Desi Months or Desi Mahine in Indian Hindu Calendar

In the Indian Hindu calendar, the term Desi Months or Desi Mahine refers to the traditional Indian months based on the movements of the Moon (Lunar Calendar) and Sun (Solar Calendar). These months are integral to Indian culture, festivals, astrology, and rituals, and differ significantly from the Gregorian calendar months.

Lunar and Solar Months

In Indian tradition, both lunar months (Chandra Maas) and solar months (Saur Maas) are followed, depending on the region and purpose.

• Lunar Months are based on the Moon’s phases, commonly followed in religious rituals and astrology.
• Solar Months are based on the Sun’s transit through zodiac signs and are used in solar calendars like Tamil and Bengali calendars.

Names of Desi Months

There are twelve traditional Indian months used in the Hindu calendar, and their names are as follows:

• Chaitra (चैत्र)
• Vaishakha (वैशाख)
• Jyeshtha (ज्येष्ठ)
• Ashadha (आषाढ़)
• Shravana (श्रावण)
• Bhadrapada (भाद्रपद)
• Ashwin (आश्विन)
• Kartika (कार्तिक)
• Margsheersha / Agahan (मार्गशीर्ष / अगहन)
• Paush (पौष)
• Magha (माघ)
• Phalguna (फाल्गुन)

Regional Practices

Different regions in India follow slightly different calendar systems:

• North India: Purnimanta system (month starts after full moon)
• South India: Amanta system (month starts after new moon)
• Tamil Nadu: Solar calendar with months like Chithirai, Vaikasi, etc.
• Bengal & Assam: Solar months with unique names such as Boishakh, Joishtho, etc.

Astrological Importance

Desi months are crucial in Vedic Astrology for analyzing birth charts, calculating muhurta (auspicious timings), and predicting planetary influences. Festivals, fasts, and religious observances are mostly planned according to these months and their corresponding tithis.

Conclusion

The Desi Mahine or Indian months form the foundation of the Indian traditional timekeeping system. Understanding their significance is essential for interpreting rituals, traditions, and astrological calculations in Indian culture.

Last Updated:
28 September 2025 (Sunday), 12:29pm IST