The Hindu Lunar Year starts from the Equinoctial Black Moon ( New Moon). I call it Black Moon because New Moon is called Karutha Vavu, Black Moon,
A lunar month is considered as the difference between New Moons. It is 29.5 days
and a Lunar Year is 354 days.
So Chaitra is the FIrst Month and Second is Vaisakha .
The Lunar Calendar or the Luni Solar Calendar
FAQs regarding Hindu Lunar Year ( 1939 from Mar 28 )
Q – What is Gudi Padwa?
A – It is the Hindu Lunar Year.
Q – How is it computed ?
A – The Equinoctial New Moon – when Sun conjuncts Moon near the Equinox ( Mar 21 ) – is computed.
Q – When is it this year, 2017 ?
A – On Mar 28.
The Vedic Lunar Months are lunar months based on Full Moon. The Moon comes at exactly 180 degrees from the Sun during Opposition. They are called luni solar months, because solar ingresses happen during these lunar months.
In the first month of Aries ( Mesha ) the Full Moon occurs on the constellation of Chitra and hence it is called Chaitra.
In the next month of Taurus (Vrishabha) the Full Moon occurs on the constellation of Vishakha and hence it is called Vaishakha.
In the next month of Gemini ( Mithuna) the Full Moon occurs on the constellation of Jyeshta and hence it is called Jyeshta.
In the next month of Cancer (Kataka ) the Full Moon occurs on the constellation of Ashada and hence it is called Ashada.
In the next month of Leo ( Chingam ) the Full Moon occurs on the constellation of Sravana and hence it is called Sravana.
In the next month of Virgo ( Kanya ) the Full Moon occurs on the constellation of Bhadrapada and hence it is called Bhadrapada.
In the next month of Liibra ( Thula ) the Full Moon occurs on the constellation of Aswini and hence it is called Ashwin.
In the next month of Scorpio ( Vrischika ) the Full Moon occurs on the constellation of Karthika and hence it is called Karthik.
In the next month of Sagittarius ( Dhanus ) the Full Moon occurs on the constellation of Mrigasira and hence it is called Margashirsha.
In the next month of Capricorn ( Makara ) the Full Moon occurs on the constellation of Pushya and hence it is called Pusha.
In the next month of Aquarius ( Kumbha ) the Full Moon occurs on the constellation of Makha and hence it is called Magh.
In the next month of Pisces ( Meena ) the Full Moon occurs on the constellation of Phalguna and hence it is called Phalguna.
Thiru Athira is the most balanced Njattuvela, with fierce rains and sunny interludes, not having the viciousness of Mriga Sira, nor the fury of Pushya and the terror of Punarvasu.
