Mithila Calendar (Panchan)
The Maithili Panchang differs from the solar calendar. The new year starts on Mesh Sankranti (Jur Sital).
The Twelve Months
- BaishakhApr-May
- JyeshthaMay-Jun
- AshadhaJun-Jul
- ShravanaJul-Aug
- BhadraAug-Sep
- AshvinaSep-Oct
- KartikaOct-Nov
- MargashirshaNov-Dec
- PaushaDec-Jan
- MaghaJan-Feb
- PhalgunaFeb-Mar
- ChaitraMar-Apr
Significance
The calendar dictates the dates for agriculture, festivals, and weddings. Mithila has a unique system of 'Saurath Sabha' where marriages are negotiated based on genealogical records (Panji Prabandh), often checked against the Panchan.
Structure
It is a Lunisolar calendar. The dates are calculated based on the position of the moon. However, the New Year (Jur Sital) is solar, marking the sun's entry into Aries (Mesh).
Distinctive Features
- Tropical Solar
Unlike many lunisolar calendars, the Maithili year begins on 'Mesh Sankranti' (mid-April), aligning with the sun's entry into Aries.
- Astrological Precision
It dictates the exact timings for 'Saurath Sabha', where marriages are settled based on 'Panji' (genealogical records).
Major Festivals 2026
Tila Sankranti
Makar Sankranti - Consumption of Til and Dahi-Chura.
Saraswati Puja
Basant Panchami - Worship of the Goddess of Knowledge.
Jur Sital
Maithili New Year - Sprinkling of water and blessings.
Madhushravani
Festival of newly married women.
Chauth Chandra
Chaurchan - Worshipping the moon with fruit offerings.
Jitiya Vrat
Strict fast observed by mothers for their children.
Kojagara
Lakhsmi Puja and celebration of new marriages.
Chhath Puja
Mahaparva - Offering Arghya to the Sun God.
Sama Chakeva
Celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters.
Vivah Panchami
Wedding Anniversary of Lord Ram and Mata Sita.