While most people recognize the current year as 2026, India’s official National Calendar records it as Saka Year 1948. This is because India follows the Saka Calendar, also known as the Saka Samvat, alongside the Gregorian calendar for official government purposes.
The Saka Calendar was adopted as India’s National Calendar on 22 March 1957 following recommendations by the Calendar Reform Committee, headed by renowned scientist Dr. Meghnad Saha. The calendar begins from 78 CE, known as the Saka Era. Therefore, the Gregorian year 2026 corresponds to Saka Year 1948.
Used in government publications, the Gazette of India, official notifications, and public broadcasts, the Saka Calendar helps preserve India’s historical and cultural heritage while maintaining administrative uniformity. It consists of 12 months, beginning with Chaitra, which usually starts on March 22.
Before independence, India used numerous regional calendars, creating challenges in administration and record-keeping. The adoption of the Saka Calendar provided a standardized national system without replacing traditional calendars such as Vikram Samvat and the Hijri Calendar, which continue to be used for religious and cultural purposes.
The Saka Calendar remains a unique symbol of India’s rich civilizational legacy, blending scientific timekeeping with cultural identity while coexisting with the globally used Gregorian calendar.
