Calendars people use
Diwali is in October one year and November the next. The Gregorian date, the date on the usual calendar, keeps moving. Why?
Step 1 of 3
- A solar calendar matches the solar year.
- A lunar calendar falls short every year.
- A luni-solar calendar adds a month some years.
New word
- Luni-solar — following the Moon, with a month added to fit the seasons.
The rule
Diwali follows Moon months. The Gregorian year follows the Sun. So Diwali's date moves.
A lunar calendar follows the Moon. A solar calendar follows the seasons. A luni-solar calendar follows the Moon. It adds an extra month every few years. That keeps it in step with the seasons.
| Calendar | Kind |
|---|---|
| Gregorian | Solar |
| Indian National Calendar | Solar |
| Islamic (Hijri) calendar | Lunar |
| Hindu festival calendars | Luni-solar |
Sort each fact by its kind of calendar.
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