The Punjabi calendar (Punjabi: ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ਜੰਤਰੀ, پنجابی جنتری) is a luni-solar calendar used by the Punjabi peopleinPunjab and around the world, but varies by religions. Historically, the Punjabi Sikhs and Punjabi Hindus have used the ancient Bikrami (Vikrami) calendar.[1][2] Punjabi Muslims use the Arabic Hijri calendar alongside the Punjabi Calendar.[3] Some festivals in Punjab, Pakistan are determined by the Punjabi calendar,[4] such as Muharram which is observed twice, once according to the Muslim year and again on the 10th of harh/18th of jeth.[5] The Punjabi calendar is the one the rural (agrarian) population follows in Punjab, Pakistan.[6][note 1]
InPunjab though the solar calendar is generally followed, the lunar calendar used is purṇimānta, or calculated from the ending moment of the full moon: the beginning of the dark fortnight.[8][9] Chait is considered to be the first month of the lunar year.[10] The lunar year begins on Chet Sudi: the first day after the new moon in Chet.[11] This means that the first half of the purṇimānta month of Chaitra goes to the previous year, while the second half belongs to the new Lunar year.[9]
The Punjabi solar new year starts on the first of Vaisakh.[12] The day is considered from sunrise to next sunrise and for the first day of the solar months, the Orissa rule is observed: day 1 of the month occurs on the day of the transition of monthly constellations, or sangrānd in Punjabi.[13][14]
The Punjabi Calendar stands as a timeless emblem of tradition within the vibrant tapestry of Punjabi culture. Rooted in the ebb and flow of the lunar cycle, this calendar intricately weaves together the threads of countless festivals, significant events, and sacred observances that form the rich mosaic of the Punjabi cultural experience[15]
| No. | Name | Punjabi Gurmukhi | Punjabi Shahmukhi | Western months |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chet | ਚੇਤ | چیت | Mid March – Mid April |
| 2 | Vaisakh | ਵਿਸਾਖ | وساکھ | Mid April – Mid May |
| 3 | Jeth | ਜੇਠ | جیٹھ | Mid May – Mid June |
| 4 | Harh | ਹਾੜ੍ਹ | ہاڑھ | Mid June – Mid July |
| 5 | Sawan | ਸਾਓਣ | ساؤݨ | Mid July – Mid August |
| 6 | Bhadon | ਭਾਦੋਂ | بھادوں | Mid August – Mid September |
| 7 | Assu | ਅੱਸੂ | اسو | Mid September – Mid October |
| 8 | Kattak | ਕੱਤਕ | کتک | Mid October – Mid November |
| 9 | Magghar | ਮੱਘਰ | مگھر | Mid November – Mid December |
| 10 | Poh | ਪੋਹ | پوہ | Mid December – Mid January |
| 11 | Magh | ਮਾਘ | ماگھ | Mid January – Mid February |
| 12 | Phaggan | ਫੱਗਣ | پھگݨ | Mid February – Mid March |
Until recently Sikhs followed the Sammat or Bikrami system like Hindus
Sikhs' religious calendar consists of annual gurpurabs (anniversaries of the Gurus) and melas (other festival celebrations). Until 2003, this calendar was based on the Hindus' Vikrami (in Punjabi, Bikrami) calendar.