Uttar Pradesh
Public Holiday for Navami in UP
- 11 Oct 2024
- 2 min read
Why in News?
Recently, the Uttar Pradesh government declared a public holiday on 11th October, 2024, in observance of Navami, a significant day in Hindu traditions.
Key Points
- Navami marks the end of Navratri with rituals like ‘Kanya Bhoj’ and havan (sacred fire ceremonies).
- In the Hindu calendar, Navami is the ninth day of the lunar fortnight (Paksha). Each month has two Navami days, one on the ninth day of the "bright" (Shukla) fortnight and one on the ninth day of the "dark" (Krishna) fortnight.
- Navami is also associated with two festivals in Hinduism.
- Maha Navami: The ninth day of Sharad Navratri, Maha Navami commemorates the day when Goddess Durga defeated the demon Mahishasura. It symbolizes the triumph of good over evil.
- Ram Navami: A festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Rama.
Classification of Calendars in India
| Calendar | Type | Zero Year | Origin | Key Features |
| Vikram Samvat | Hindu Lunar Calendar | 57 B.C. | Introduced by King Vikramaditya after victory over Sakas | Lunar-based; 12 months with 354 days; divided into Shuklapaksha (bright half) and Krishnapaksha (dark half); 13th month (Adhik Mass) in certain years. |
| Saka Samvat | Hindu Solar Calendar | 78 A.D. | Introduced by Saka rulers after defeating the Kushanas | Solar-based; adopted as the official calendar of India in 1957; each year has 365 days. |
| Hijri Calendar | Islamic Lunar Calendar | 622 A.D. | Originated in Saudi Arabia | Lunar-based; 12 months with 354 days; the 9th month, Ramzaan, is observed for fasting. |
| Gregorian Calendar | Scientific Solar Calendar | 1582 A.D. | Introduced by Pope Gregory XIII | Solar-based; replaced the Julian calendar; civil calendar in use today; 365 days with leap years to correct for 365.25 days. |
