Welcome to the fascinating world of Gujarati language and culture! In this article, we will delve into the vibrant and enchanting realm of the month name in Gujarati, a language spoken by millions of people in the western Indian state of Gujarat and various Gujarati communities around the world. Gujarati, an Indo-Aryan language, has its own unique calendar system and names for the months, each bearing its own significance and cultural importance. Join us as we explore the twelve month name in Gujarati, discover their origins, and uncover the festivities and traditions associated with each of them.
Whether you are a language enthusiast, a traveler curious about Gujarat, or simply someone eager to expand your knowledge, this journey through the months in Gujarati is sure to captivate your imagination and deepen your understanding of this rich linguistic and cultural heritage. So let’s embark on this fascinating linguistic adventure and unlock the secrets of the months name in Gujarati!
List and meaning of all 12 month Name in Gujarati
Gujarati is a language spoken in the western part of India, mainly in the state of Gujarat. The Gujarati calendar consists of 12 months, each with its unique name and meaning. Understanding the names and meanings behind these months can provide a deeper understanding of the culture and traditions of Gujarat.
1- Māgh (માઘ)
Māgh is the first month of the Gujarati calendar, which typically falls in January-February. The name “Māgh” is derived from the Sanskrit word “Māgha,” which means “to increase” or “to grow.” This month holds great significance in Hindu culture as it marks the beginning of the Hindu lunar calendar. Māgh is associated with the transition from winter to spring and is considered an auspicious time for religious activities and ceremonies. It is also a month of harvest, symbolizing the prosperity and abundance that comes with the new agricultural season.
2- Phāgun (ફાગણ):
Phāgun is the second month of the Gujarati calendar, spanning February-March. The name “Phāgun” is derived from the Sanskrit word “Phalguna,” which refers to the “flowering” or “blooming” season. This month celebrates the arrival of spring and is renowned for the exuberant festival of colors called Holi, which is widely celebrated throughout Gujarat and India. Phāgun represents joy, love, and the rejuvenation of nature after the winter season. It is a time when people come together, play with colors, dance, and celebrate the vibrancy of life.
3- Chaitra (ચૈત્ર):
Chaitra is the third month of the Gujarati calendar, typically falling in March-April. The name “Chaitra” is derived from the Sanskrit word “Chaitra,” which signifies the beginning of the summer season. Chaitra holds immense religious significance, as it is associated with the birth anniversary of Lord Rama, known as Ram Navami, and the nine-night festival of Navratri. It is a month of devotion, worship, and spiritual observances. Chaitra also marks the onset of the harvest season when farmers prepare their fields for sowing and agricultural activities commence.
4- Vaishākh (વૈશાખ):
Vaishākh is the fourth month name in Gujarati calendar, which typically falls in April-May. The name “Vaishākh” is derived from the Sanskrit word “Vaishākha,” denoting the zodiac sign Taurus. It is a month associated with prosperity, growth, and abundance. Vaishākh holds special significance for Hindus as it is believed to be an auspicious time for new beginnings, business ventures, and agricultural activities. It is also the month of Akshaya Tritiya, a day considered highly auspicious for starting new ventures, purchasing gold, and performing acts of charity.
5- Jeth (જેઠ):
Jeth is the fifth month of the Gujarati calendar, spanning May-June. The name “Jeth” is derived from the Sanskrit word “Jyeshtha,” meaning “the elder one” or “the most excellent.” Jeth is characterized by scorching summer heat in Gujarat and is a significant month for farmers. It is a time when agricultural activities, such as sowing crops and irrigation, are in full swing. The month of Jeth also coincides with the festival of Akshaya Tritiya in some years. Jeth represents hard work, perseverance, and the vital role of agriculture in the lives of Gujarati communities.
6- Āshādh (આષાઢ):
Āshādh is the sixth month of the Gujarati calendar, falling in June-July. The name “Āshādh” is derived from the Sanskrit word “Āshādha,” which signifies the arrival of monsoon. This month marks the beginning of the rainy season in Gujarat and is associated with agricultural fertility and spiritual practices. Āshādh is considered an auspicious time for devotees to observe spiritual practices, perform rituals, and seek blessings. It is also the month when the festival of Guru Purnima, a day dedicated to honoring spiritual teachers, is celebrated. Āshādh represents a time of renewal, rejuvenation, and the vital importance of water and rain for the agricultural cycle.
7- Shrāvan (શ્રાવણ):
Shrāvan is the seventh month name in Gujarati calendar, typically falling in July-August. The name “Shrāvan” is derived from the Sanskrit word “Shrāvana,” which refers to the monsoon season. It is considered a sacred and auspicious month for Hindus, especially devotees of Lord Shiva. During Shrāvan, devotees observe fasting and perform various rituals to seek blessings and divine grace. Mondays, known as Shrāvan Somvar, hold particular significance, and devotees visit Shiva temples to offer prayers and perform abhishekam (ritual bathing) of Lord Shiva. Shrāvan represents devotion, spirituality, and reverence for Lord Shiva.
8- Bhādrapad (ભાદ્રપદ):
Bhādrapad is the eighth month of the Gujarati calendar, falling in August-September. The name “Bhādrapad” is derived from the Sanskrit word “Bhādrapada,” which signifies “auspicious feet.” Bhādrapad is a month associated with religious observances, particularly the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi. It marks the birth anniversary of Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed deity. During this festival, elaborate clay idols of Lord Ganesha are worshipped, and various cultural festivities are held. Bhādrapad also signifies the transition from the monsoon season to autumn, and it represents devotion, new beginnings, and the celebration of Lord Ganesha.
9- Āso (આસો):
Āso is the ninth month of the Gujarati calendar, typically falling in September-October. The name “Āso” is derived from the Sanskrit word “Āshwin,” which refers to the zodiac sign Libra. Āso is a month of great significance, as it marks the onset of autumn and the beginning of the festive season in Gujarat. It is associated with the festival of Diwali, known as the Festival of Lights, which symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Diwali is celebrated with the lighting of lamps, fireworks, exchange of sweets, and joyous gatherings. Āso represents prosperity, joy, and the triumph of righteousness.
10- Kārtik (કાર્તિક):
Kārtik is the tenth month name in Gujarati calendar, falling in October-November. The name “Kārtik” is derived from the Sanskrit word “Kārtika,” which refers to the zodiac sign Scorpio. Kārtik is considered a sacred month and holds great religious significance for Hindus. It is a month dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is associated with various festivals, such as Karva Chauth and Tulsi Vivah. Devotees observe fasting, perform rituals, and offer prayers during this month. Kārtik is also known as the month of lamps, and lighting diyas (lamps) is considered auspicious. Kārtik represents devotion, spiritual practices, and the celebration of Lord Vishnu.
11- Māghshar (માઘશર):
Māghshar is the eleventh-month name in Gujarati calendar, typically falling in November-December. The name “Māghshar” is derived from the Sanskrit word “Mārgashirsha,” which signifies the month of “auspiciousness and prosperity.” Māghshar is a winter month known for its colder temperatures and longer nights. It is a month of devotion and spiritual practices, with devotees observing fasting and performing rituals to seek blessings. Māghshar also hosts the observance of Vrat (fasting) and recitation of scriptures. It represents a time of introspection, inner growth, and seeking divine guidance.
12- Posh (પોષ):
Posh is the twelfth and final month of the Gujarati calendar, falling in December-January. The name “Posh” is derived from the Sanskrit word “Pausha,” referring to the zodiac sign Capricorn. Posh marks the peak of the winter season in Gujarat and is associated with the harvest season. It is a month of feasting and celebrating the abundance of the harvest. Posh is also a time for family gatherings, social festivities, and enjoying traditional Gujarati delicacies. It represents warmth, togetherness, and the culmination of the agricultural cycle.
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12 Months Names in English and Gujarati
English is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world. The language has its own set of words for every month of the year, with each month carrying a unique significance. Similarly, Gujarati is a regional language spoken by people in the Indian state of Gujarat. It also has its own set of names for every month of the year. The table below presents a list of all 12 months and their corresponding names in English and Gujarati:
No | English | Gujarati |
1 | January | જાન્યુઆરી (Jānyuārī) |
2 | February | ફેબ્રુઆરી (Phēbrurī) |
3 | March | માર્ચ (Mārch) |
4 | April | એપ્રિલ (Ēpril) |
5 | May | મે (Mē) |
6 | June | જૂન (Jūn) |
7 | July | જુલાઈ (Jūlāī) |
8 | August | ઓગસ્ટ (Ōgast) |
9 | September | સપ્ટેમ્બર (Sapṭēmbar) |
10 | October | ઓક્ટોબર (Ōkṭōbar) |
11 | November | નવેમ્બર (Navēmbar) |
12 | December | ડિસેમ્બર (Ḍisēmbar) |
Cultural significance of Gujarati months in daily life
The Gujarati months name hold cultural significance in the daily lives of people in Gujarat. Here are some aspects of their cultural significance:
Festivals and Celebrations:
Each month name in Gujarati calendar is associated with various festivals and celebrations. People eagerly await these festivals and actively participate in them. For example, Navratri, the nine-night festival dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga, is celebrated with great fervor during the month of Ashwin. The festival of Diwali, known as the Festival of Lights, is celebrated during the month of Aso. These festivals bring communities together, strengthen cultural bonds, and provide opportunities for socializing, performing traditional dances, and exchanging greetings.
Religious Observances:
Gujarati months hold importance for religious observances and practices. Devotees observe fasts, visit temples, offer prayers, and perform rituals during specific months associated with particular deities. For example, the month of Shravan is considered highly auspicious for worshiping Lord Shiva, and devotees often visit Shiva temples and offer special prayers and offerings. Similarly, the month of Kartik is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and devotees observe fasting and perform religious rituals to seek his blessings.
Agricultural Activities:
Gujarat is an agrarian state, and the month name Gujarati calendar are closely tied to agricultural activities. Different months mark significant stages in the agricultural cycle, such as sowing, harvesting, and post-harvest activities. Farmers plan their agricultural activities according to these months, taking into account weather patterns, availability of water, and other factors. Agricultural festivals like Holi and Makar Sankranti are celebrated with enthusiasm, as they mark the end of winter and the onset of the harvest season.
Seasonal Influences:
The Gujarati months also reflect the changing seasons and their impact on daily life. For instance, during the scorching summer month of Jeth, people adapt to the heat by wearing light clothing and consuming cooling beverages. In contrast, during the monsoon month of Shravan, people prepare for the rains and enjoy the relief it brings after the hot summer. These months influence the daily routines, food choices, and cultural practices of the people.
Social and Cultural Traditions:
The Gujarati months have deep-rooted cultural traditions associated with them. People follow customs and rituals passed down through generations during specific months. These traditions may include auspicious days for marriages, housewarming ceremonies, thread ceremonies, and other significant life events. The months serve as a framework for organizing and observing these traditions, ensuring their continuity and preserving Gujarati cultural heritage.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the month name in Gujarati hold significant cultural, religious, and practical importance in the lives of the people in Gujarat. Each month carries its unique meaning and symbolism, reflecting the diverse aspects of Gujarati culture and traditions. From festivals and religious observances to agricultural activities and seasonal influences, the Gujarati months shape the daily routines and social fabric of the community. They provide a framework for organizing celebrations, fostering community connections, and preserving cultural heritage.
The month name in Gujarati calendar not only mark the passage of time but also serve as a reminder of the deep-rooted traditions, values, and beliefs held dear by the Gujarati people. These months bring people together, inspire devotion and spirituality, and celebrate the abundance of nature and the agricultural cycle.
Whether it is the joyous festivities of Navratri and Diwali, the solemn observances of fasting and rituals, or the pragmatic considerations of agricultural planning, the Gujarati months play a vital role in the daily lives and cultural identity of the people. With their rich cultural significance and the multitude of festivals, traditions, and activities associated with them, the month name in Gujarati provide a rhythmic tapestry of life, connecting past, present, and future generations, and contributing to the vibrant cultural heritage of Gujarat.
FAQs
Can I use the Gujarati month names in conversation and writing?
Yes, you can use the Gujarati month names in conversation and writing, especially when communicating with Gujarati speakers or when discussing religious and cultural events related to Gujarat.
Are there any specific festivals associated with each Gujarati month?
Yes, each Gujarati month has its own set of festivals and observances. For example, Navratri and Diwali are celebrated during the month of Āśvina, and Uttarayan (Kite Festival) falls in the month of Māgha.
How are the months named in Gujarati?
The month name in Gujarati are derived from Sanskrit and are based on the traditional Hindu lunar calendar
What is the month of Kartak in English?
The month of Kartak in English is called “October.”
Which month is called jestha?
The month called “Jestha” in English is known as “June.”
Which month comes after vaisakh?
The month that comes after Vaishakh is called “Jeth” in Gujarati, which corresponds to “May-June” in English.