The Desi calendar is a traditional lunar calendar followed across the Indian subcontinent, including Pakistan, India, and surrounding regions. Unlike the Gregorian calendar, the Desi calendar is based on the moon’s phases, marking months that are crucial for agricultural cycles, seasonal changes, and religious festivals.
Each of the 12 Desi months has its own cultural significance, guiding farming activities and festivals. From the arrival of spring in Chet to the onset of winter in Magh, these months play a vital role in daily life. The month names are provided in English, Punjabi, Hindi, and Urdu, allowing a broader understanding and connection across different languages.
Explore the Desi month names below to learn more about their meanings and significance in various cultures.
| English | Punjabi | Hindi | Urdu |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chet | ਚੇਤ | चेट | چیت |
| Vaisakh | ਵੈਸਾਖ | वैसाख | ویساکھ |
| Jeth | ਜੇਠ | जेठ | جیٹھ |
| Harh | ਹਾੜ੍ਹ | हरह | ہاڑ |
| Sawan | ਸਾਵਣ | सावन | ساون |
| Bhadon | ਭਾਦੋ | भादों | بھادوں |
| Assu | ਅੱਸੂ | आसू | اسو |
| Katak | ਕੱਤਕ | कटक | کاتک |
| Maghar | ਮੱਘਰ | मगहर | مگھر |
| Poh | ਪੋਹ | पोह | پوہ |
| Magh | ਮਾਘ | माघ | ماگھ |
| Phagan | ਫੱਗਣ | फागन | پھگن |
Chet
Chet is the first month of the Desi calendar and marks the arrival of spring. It is a time for new beginnings and agricultural preparations. Farmers begin their preparations for the upcoming planting season, and the month is associated with the celebration of Baisakhi in Punjab, which signifies the start of the harvest season and the renewal of the farming cycle.
Vaisakh
Vaisakh marks the onset of summer. It is a crucial month for farmers as they begin sowing new crops. The Baisakhi festival is celebrated during Vaisakh, marking a significant event in the agricultural calendar. This month also carries religious and cultural significance in many regions, celebrated with prayers and festivities.
Jeth
Jeth is the month when summer peaks. The weather can be intensely hot, and this is the time for irrigation and managing water resources for crops. The month is important for maintaining agricultural productivity during the high heat of summer.
Harh
Harh marks the arrival of the monsoon season. The rains bring relief from the summer heat and are crucial for the growth of crops like rice. It’s a vital month for farmers as the monsoon ensures the growth of many crops and plays a role in the agricultural cycle.
Sawan
Sawan is a month of heavy rains and is essential for the growth of crops in the agricultural season. This month is also celebrated for its rainy weather, with various festivals such as Nag Panchami and Teej observed during this time. It marks a period of prosperity in farming regions.
Bhadon
Bhadon is a transitional month between the monsoon season and the arrival of cooler weather. It is an important month for harvesting crops such as rice and sugarcane. Many religious festivals like Ganesha Chaturthi are celebrated during this month, making it a time of both agricultural and cultural significance.
Assu
Assu marks the autumn season and is crucial for harvesting crops. This month holds cultural and religious significance, with celebrations like Dussehra and Durga Puja taking place. Assu is a time of gathering and preparing for the cooler months ahead.
Katak
Katak marks the start of cooler weather. It is a month of religious importance, with festivals like Diwali and Kartik Purnima observed during this time. Katak is also linked to the harvest season, as crops that were sown earlier are now being reaped.
Maghar
Maghar marks the beginning of winter and is essential for crop production during the cold months. It is the month when wheat and barley are sown. The Gurpurab festival, celebrating the birth of Guru Nanak, is widely observed during this time.
Poh
Poh is a cold winter month. It marks the end of the harvest cycle and is a time for spiritual reflection. Many people celebrate festivals like Lohri and Makar Sankranti during this month, symbolizing warmth, light, and the victory of good over evil.
Magh
Magh is a month that is considered the mid-winter. It is a time for spiritual activities and religious observances. During this month, people often visit holy places and participate in festivals like Maghi, which holds significance in the Sikh religion.
Phagan
Phagan is the last month of the Desi calendar and marks the arrival of spring. The weather is mild and pleasant, and it is a time for celebration. Holi, the festival of colors, is celebrated during Phagan, marking the end of winter and the victory of good over evil.