Thousands of years before the birth of Christ, ancient Indian scholars devised a comprehensive calendar by systematically studying the Vedas and the movement and positions of planetary bodies and stars. This Hindu calendar was prepared in the form of an almanac called the panchang.
Apart from measuring time in it's simplest,
most mechanical sense, it was extensively used to determine dates, activities
and personal goals, so as to achieve and attain the highest good within the divine
order. Almost fifty years after India's emergence as a modern nation state, the
Hindu calendar is still widely used in various versions and by communities all
over the country. It is not uncommon to have some members of the same family celeberate
their birthdays according to the Hindu calendar, while others follow the Gregorian
one. Both calendars are accepted in government, metropolitan and municipal offices,
and in schools and businesses.