Gujarati Calendar 2023: A Comprehensive Guide To Festivals And Events

Introduction

As someone who grew up in a Gujarati household, the Gujarati calendar has always been an integral part of my life. The calendar is based on the Hindu Vikram Samvat calendar and is widely used in Gujarat and other parts of India. The Gujarati calendar is known for its accuracy and is used to determine auspicious dates for weddings, festivals, and other important events.

What is the Gujarati Calendar?

The Gujarati calendar is a lunisolar calendar that is based on the position of the Sun and the Moon. It consists of 12 months, each with 29 or 30 days, and an extra month is added every three years to keep the calendar in sync with the solar year. The first month of the calendar is Kartik, which usually falls in October or November.

Gujarati Calendar 2023 Festivals and Events

Here is a list of some of the major festivals and events that will be celebrated in the Gujarati calendar in 2023:

Uttarayan – January 14th

Uttarayan, also known as the Kite Festival, is celebrated on January 14th every year. It marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring. People fly kites and indulge in traditional Gujarati food like Undhiyu and Jalebi.

Maha Shivratri – March 6th

Maha Shivratri is a Hindu festival that is celebrated in honor of Lord Shiva. It falls on the 14th day of the dark fortnight of the Hindu month of Phalguna. Devotees fast and offer prayers to Lord Shiva on this day.

Holi – March 15th

Holi is a colorful and vibrant festival that is celebrated all over India. It falls on the full moon day in the Hindu month of Phalguna. People play with colors, dance to traditional music and indulge in delicious food.

Navratri – October 1st to October 9th

Navratri is a nine-day festival that is celebrated in honor of the goddess Durga. It falls in the Hindu month of Ashwin. People fast, dance to traditional Gujarati music and offer prayers to the goddess.

Diwali – October 19th

Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is one of the biggest festivals in India. It falls in the Hindu month of Kartik. People light up their homes with diyas and lamps, burst firecrackers, and indulge in traditional sweets and snacks.

World Events and Festivals in Gujarati Calendar 2023

Apart from the festivals and events that are celebrated in India, there are also some world events and festivals that are observed in the Gujarati calendar. Here are a few of them:

International Women’s Day – March 8th

International Women’s Day is celebrated all over the world to recognize the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. It falls on March 8th every year.

World Earth Day – April 22nd

World Earth Day is observed on April 22nd every year to raise awareness about environmental issues and promote sustainable living.

World Yoga Day – June 21st

World Yoga Day is celebrated on June 21st every year to promote the practice of yoga and its benefits for physical, mental, and spiritual health.

Question & Answer

Q: How is the Gujarati calendar different from the Gregorian calendar?
A: The Gujarati calendar is a lunisolar calendar that is based on the position of the Sun and the Moon, while the Gregorian calendar is a solar calendar that is based on the Earth’s rotation around the Sun. Q: What is the significance of Navratri in the Gujarati calendar?
A: Navratri is a nine-day festival that is celebrated in honor of the goddess Durga. It is believed that during this time, the goddess is at her most powerful and devotees offer prayers and perform rituals to seek her blessings. Q: What is the importance of Uttarayan in the Gujarati calendar?
A: Uttarayan marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring. It is considered an auspicious time for new beginnings and people fly kites to celebrate the occasion.

Conclusion

The Gujarati calendar is a rich and vibrant part of Indian culture and heritage. It is a testament to the accuracy and precision of ancient Indian astronomy and continues to be an important tool for determining auspicious dates for festivals and events. Whether you are a Gujarati or not, the festivals and events celebrated in the Gujarati calendar are a wonderful way to experience the diversity and richness of Indian culture.