Falgun

Falgun, also spelled Phalguna or Phalgun, is the eleventh month in the Hindu lunisolar calendar used across the Indian subcontinent and in Nepal. In regional calendars such as Bengali, Assamese, Odia, and Nepali, Falgun roughly corresponds to the period from mid-February to mid-March and sits between Magh and Chaitra. The name is derived from the Sanskrit Phalguna, linked to the lunar month and, in some traditions, to the nakshatra Phalguni.

The month marks the transition from winter to spring in many parts of South Asia. Its exact dates vary with lunar calculations, typically encompassing 28 or 29 days. Falgun is a time of festive and cultural activity in several regions, with different communities observing distinct traditions during the month.

Regional usage and notable observances: In Bengal and parts of Nepal, Falgun is associated with the festival of Dol Jatra or Dol Purnima, a celebration of colors that accompanies the broader Holi festivities. In Nepal, Fagu Purnima is a prominent color festival tied to the month. In other parts of India, Falgun signals the approaching spring, and various local fairs, rituals, and temple observances may take place during this period. The month also functions as a precursor to Chaitra, the coming month that often aligns with the new year in several regional calendars.