There are many major festivals in Hinduism, which are sometimes celebrated on two different days. There is often confusion among people regarding the dates of festivals like Diwali, Janmashtami, Ekadashi, Holi. Many times the same festival is celebrated on different days at different places. There is no confusion behind this, but there is a complex astronomical calculation of the calendar and a special arrangement of dates.
The Hindu calendar is not only based on the movement of the Sun, but the position of the Moon is also considered important in it. For this reason the dates of festivals are not fixed like the English calendar.
Difference between date and solar day
In Hindu calendar, time is calculated on the basis of date. A date is the time taken by the Sun and the Moon to complete an angular difference of 12 degrees. This time can sometimes be less than 24 hours or sometimes more.
Whereas in the normal calendar, a day is determined from sunrise to the next sunrise or from midnight to midnight. This is why sometimes a tithi exists at the time of sunrise and sometimes begins or ends in the middle of the day.
Why are festivals celebrated in two days?
Any Hindu festival is determined by how long the respective date is at the time of sunrise and when is the auspicious time available for the puja.
For example, if the date of a festival starts after sunrise on the first day and an auspicious time of puja is found on the second day, then the festival can be celebrated on the second day. At some places, due to different calculations of the calendar, the first day may also be valid.
For this reason, many times the same festival is seen celebrated for two days.
Auspicious time has special importance
In Hindu religion, not only the date but also the auspicious time has special importance. A time is chosen for worship, fasting and religious rituals when the position of the planets and stars is considered favourable.
For example, Pradosh Kaal and Amavasya Tithi are important for Lakshmi Puja on Diwali. Similarly, on Janmashtami, the time of birth of Lord Shri Krishna i.e. midnight is considered special.
How is the correct date determined?
To determine the exact date of festivals, learned almanac makers calculate the movements of the Sun, Moon and planets. Based on this it is seen which date is starting and ending at which time.
The time of sunrise varies according to the country and location, so sometimes there is a difference in the date of the festival in different regions.
Importance of almanac and tradition
The dates of Hindu festivals are not just calendar dates, but thousands of years of astronomical calculations and religious traditions are associated with them. The reason for celebrating the festival in two days is this scientific and spiritual system of the calendar.
Therefore, if there are different opinions regarding the date of any festival, then the reason for it is not different calculation methods, but the difference in date, place and auspicious time. Devotees celebrate the festival according to the valid calendar of their region.
