The Punjabi calendar, known as the Nanakshahi calendar, structures the rhythm of cultural and spiritual life for millions. Understanding the Punjabi months name is essential for connecting with the traditions, festivals, and agricultural cycles of the Punjab region. Each month carries a unique identity, linking the people to their history and the changing seasons.
Structure of the Punjabi Calendar
The calendar is primarily a solar calendar, which means it is based on the Earth's revolution around the sun. This structure ensures that the seasons remain consistent from year to year. The year begins with the month of Chet, aligning with the spring equinox. The system is designed to preserve the temporal accuracy of seasonal festivals, particularly Vaisakhi, which marks the Sikh New Year and the harvest season.
List of the Punjabi Months Name
The following table outlines the standard sequence of the months, their approximate correspondence with the Gregorian calendar, and their key characteristics.
Chet (ਚੇਤ) March - April New Year and the onset of spring.
Chet (ਚੇਤ)
March - April
New Year and the onset of spring.
Vaisakh (ਵੈਸਾਖ) April - May Vaisakhi, the harvest festival.
Vaisakh (ਵੈਸਾਖ)
April - May
Vaisakhi, the harvest festival.
Jeth (ਜੇਠ) May - June Summer begins; longer days.
Jeth (ਜੇਠ)
May - June
Summer begins; longer days.
Harh (ਹਰ੍ਹ) June - July The peak of summer heat.
Harh (ਹਰ੍ਹ)
June - July
The peak of summer heat.
Shawan (ਸ਼ਾਵਣ) July - August The arrival of the monsoon rains.
Shawan (ਸ਼ਾਵਣ)
July - August
The arrival of the monsoon rains.
Bhadon (ਭਾਦੋਂ) August - September Monsoon continues; cooler evenings.
Bhadon (ਭਾਦੋਂ)
August - September
Monsoon continues; cooler evenings.
Assu (ਅਸੂ) September - October Transition to autumn; end of monsoon.
Assu (ਅਸੂ)
September - October
Transition to autumn; end of monsoon.
Katak (ਕਾਤਕ) October - November Cooler weather; Diwali usually falls here.
Katak (ਕਾਤਕ)
October - November
Cooler weather; Diwali usually falls here.
Kartik (ਕਰਤਿਕ) November - December Cool and pleasant; Guru Nanak Dev Jayanti.
Kartik (ਕਰਤਿਕ)
November - December
Cool and pleasant; Guru Nanak Dev Jayanti.
Magsar (ਮਾਗਰ) December - January Winter sets in; Lohri celebrated.
Magsar (ਮਾਗਰ)
December - January
Winter sets in; Lohri celebrated.
Poh (ਪੋਹ) January - February Coldest month; Maghi festival.
Poh (ਪੋਹ)
January - February
Coldest month; Maghi festival.
Phagun (ਫਾਲਗੁਣ) February - March Spring blossoms; Holi celebrated.
Phagun (ਫਾਲਗੁਣ)
February - March
Spring blossoms; Holi celebrated.