The Indian National Calendar also known as
the Saka Calendar or Hindu calendar is the official civil calendar used in
India. The Saka Calendar is derived from ancient Hindu Lunisolar calendars. It
also has some influence of Persian calendar. King Kanishka started the Saka
calendar in 78AD. It comprises of 12 months, just like the Gregorian calendar,
but its structure is quite different from Gregorian structure. For instance,
the first month, Chaitra, starts from March 21st or 22nd
of Gregorian Calendar and the last month, Falgun, ends in February 20 or 21st.