Saka Calendar: The Official National Calendar of India

Adopted in 1957 alongside the Gregorian calendar for official civil and governmental usage.

By Indian Date Today Editorial · Updated August 2026

The Saka Era began in 78 CE. In 1957, the Indian Calendar Reform Committee adopted the standardized Saka Calendar for official Gazette notifications, All India Radio broadcasts, and government communications.

Adoption and Standardization in 1957

Recognizing the extreme diversity of traditional calendars across India, the Indian Government appointed the Calendar Reform Committee headed by renowned astrophysicist Meghnad Saha in 1952. The committee formulated a unified, solar-based Indian National Calendar based on the ancient Saka Era.

Structure of the Saka Calendar

The Saka year begins on Chaitra 1, which corresponds to March 22 in normal years and March 21 in leap years. The months have fixed day counts: - Chaitra: 30 days (31 in leap year) - Vaisakha, Jyeshtha, Ashadha, Shravana, Bhadra: 31 days each - Ashwin, Kartika, Agrahayana, Pausha, Magha, Phalguna: 30 days each

Converting Saka to Gregorian Year

To find the Saka year, subtract 78 from the Gregorian year for dates on or after March 22 (Chaitra 1), or subtract 79 for dates before March 22.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the current Saka year in 2026?

The current Saka year for 2026 is Saka 1948.