The twelve months
- Chaitra (March–April) — from Chitra nakshatra
- Vaishakha (April–May) — Vishakha
- Jyeshtha (May–June) — Jyeshtha
- Ashadha (June–July) — Purva Ashadha
- Shravana (July–August) — Shravana
- Bhadrapada (August–September) — Purva Bhadrapada
- Ashvin (September–October) — Ashvini
- Kartika (October–November) — Krittika
- Margashirsha (November–December) — Mrigashira
- Pausha (December–January) — Pushya
- Magha (January–February) — Magha
- Phalguna (February–March) — Purva Phalguni
Amanta and purnimanta
In the amanta system (Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra and the South) a month runs from new moon to new moon. In the purnimanta system (most of North India) it runs from full moon to full moon. The bright half (Shukla paksha) has the same name in both; the dark half (Krishna paksha) is named after the next month in the North. So Janmashtami is "Bhadrapada Krishna Ashtami" in the North but "Shravana Krishna Ashtami" in the amanta calendar — the same day.
Adhik maas — the extra month
Twelve lunar months are about 11 days shorter than a solar year. To keep the seasons in place, an extra month (adhik maas or Purushottama maas) is added about every 32½ months — when a lunar month passes without a Sankranti. It is dedicated to Vishnu; weddings are avoided, and prayer and charity are encouraged. Its Ekadashis are Padmini and Parama.
The Panchang on The Hindu Book is calculated for daily reference (Lahiri ayanamsa). For muhurats for weddings, griha pravesh and other major events, consult a learned priest or jyotishi.
Frequently asked questions
Why do North and South India give different months for the same festival?
Because the North counts months from full moon (purnimanta) and the South and West from new moon (amanta); the dark fortnight gets a different month name.
What is adhik maas?
An extra lunar month added about every 32½ months to keep the lunar calendar in step with the seasons.