Phalguna

Phalguna, also transliterated as Phalgun, is a month in the Hindu lunisolar calendar and in several regional calendars of India and Nepal. It typically falls in February and March of the Gregorian calendar, though the exact dating shifts with lunar cycles. In many traditions, Phalguna is the last month of the year before the new year begins with Chaitra.

The name is linked to the Phalguni nakshatras (Purva Phalguni and Uttara Phalguni), astronomical markers that influence the month's designation in various lunar-solar schemes. Phalguna is divided into two fortnights: Shukla Paksha (the waxing moon) and Krishna Paksha (the waning moon). The month ends with Phalguna Krishna Paksha or Phalguna Purnima, depending on the year's lunar arrangement.

Culturally, Phalguna is associated with the onset of spring and with several regional festivals. Holi, the festival of colors, is widely celebrated during Phalguna, particularly on Phalguna Purnima in many parts of India, while Holika Dahan occurs on the preceding night during Krishna Paksha. Variations exist by region, with local fairs, processions, and harvest-related observances linked to the month in different communities.

Regional usage and synonyms vary: in Nepali calendars the month is known as Fagun or Phagun; in Marathi, Konkani, and other South Asian calendars it appears as Phalguna or Phalgun. The month is used in several Hindu calendars, including Vikram Samvat and Shaka Samvat, where it marks the close of the annual cycle in many traditions.