Shivjayanti : Date or Tithi?

Shivjayanti: By Date or Hindu Tithi?

Shivjayanti, the birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, is widely celebrated in Maharashtra with great enthusiasm. However, an ongoing debate exists regarding whether it should be celebrated based on the Gregorian calendar date (February 19) or the Hindu calendar Tithi (Falgun Krishna Tritiya). This has led to divided opinions among Shivaji Maharaj's followers.

The Argument for Date-based Celebration

Supporters of celebrating Shivjayanti by date argue that we follow the Gregorian calendar for almost all important events—be it birthdays, marriage anniversaries, or national holidays. Since the entire world functions on the Gregorian calendar, they believe it is more practical to celebrate Shivjayanti on February 19 every year. This ensures a fixed day for celebrations, making it easier to organize official events and public participation.

The Argument for Hindu Tithi-based Celebration

On the other hand, those who support celebrating Shivjayanti by Hindu Tithi emphasize that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was a savior of Hindu Dharma. Just like all Hindu festivals (e.g., Diwali, Ram Navami, Krishna Janmashtami) are celebrated according to the Hindu lunar calendar, they argue that Shivaji Maharaj’s birth should also be observed as per Tithi (Falgun Krishna Tritiya). Since Tithi is based on natural cosmic cycles (lunar phases like Purnima and Amavasya), it remains consistent in Hindu traditions, unlike the man-made Gregorian calendar, which has undergone multiple modifications in history.

Scientific and Historical Perspective: Gregorian vs. Hindu Calendar

1. Evolution of the Gregorian Calendar

Historically, the first month of the year was March not in January in ancient times. However, significant changes occurred over centuries:

• Julian Calendar (Introduced by Julius Caesar in 46 BCE)

  • Established January as the first month.
  • Had a slight miscalculation, leading to a drift over time.

• Gregorian Calendar (Introduced by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582 CE)

  • To fix errors in the Julian calendar, Pope Gregory XIII reformed it, adding a gap of 11 days to correct the drift.
  • Several countries, including England, only adopted the Gregorian calendar officially in the 18th century.
  • Today’s date system is essentially a Christian calendar imposed by European powers.
  • Also in historical records, different European travellers of medieval era have used multiple calendars. 

Thus, the Gregorian calendar was decided by the UK Parliament and the Pope, making it a man-made system rather than a natural one.

2. Hindu Calendar: Rooted in Nature

Unlike the Gregorian calendar, which was modified multiple times, the Hindu calendar structure has remained consistent for thousands of years. Different Kings started calendars by their name, but month cycle and structure remained constant because Purnima and Amavasya can not be changed! Hindu calendar structure is based on:

• Lunar Phases (Purnima & Amavasya): Unlike fixed dates, the Hindu calendar follows the movement of the Moon.
• Nakshatras & Cosmic Cycles: It aligns with astronomical and astrological phenomena.
• Continuity of Tradition: Festivals and sacred events have always been observed based on Tithi, making it an integral part of Hindu culture.

Since Tithi is based on natural cosmic phenomena, it never truly changes, whereas the Gregorian date is artificial and was manipulated by Western rulers over time. Not to forget, Indian Constitution and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj both espoused this tithi structure. Shivaji Maharaj started his own Calander with name of Shiv Rajyabhishek Shak which followed the same structure that is followed since thousands of years. Also on Gazette of Government of India, Indian Tithi is officially mentioned. Constitution of India recognizes and allows the use of Tithi anywhere including Bank Cheques. 

A Practical Perspective: Why Tithi Matters for India

• India’s Own Constitutional Calendar: India officially follows the Saka calendar, which is based on the Hindu calendar. If our country has an advanced and ancient calendar system, we should actively use it more.
• Other Countries Use Their Own Calendars:
  • China continues to follow its Lunar calendar for traditional celebrations.
  • Muslim-majority countries still use Hijri (Islamic) calendar for religious observances.
  • Many nations proudly embrace their own calendar systems, whereas India still hesitates.

However, in the digital era, where reminders, memos, and official work function on the Gregorian calendar, Tithi-based tracking is difficult. Until technology fully adapts to Hindu calendar reminders, we cannot completely discard the Gregorian system. But we should focus more on embracing Tithi technically.

Final Thoughts: Celebrate, But Don’t Fight Over It

While celebrating Shivjayanti by Tithi holds deep cultural and spiritual significance, celebrating it by Gregorian date also serves a practical purpose. Instead of fighting over this issue, we must unite to focus on larger concerns, such as:

• Fake historical narratives that distort Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy.
• Divisive caste-based distortions of history.
• Spreading Shivaji Maharaj’s true vision and ideals to the youth.

Ultimately, what matters is honoring Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy—whether by Date or Tithi—as long as it is done with respect, pride, and unity.

✍️ Pratham Uvaach