The Desi month names hold deep cultural, agricultural, and religious significance in Pakistan, particularly in Punjab, Sindh, and other regions. These months follow the Bikrami (Vikrami) calendar, which is closely linked to seasonal changes, farming cycles, and traditional festivals.
In Pakistan, Desi months are widely used in rural communities, Punjabi culture, and Sindhi traditions. This blog will explore:
- The history and origin of Desi months in Pakistan.
- The agricultural and cultural importance of each month.
- A comparison between Desi and Islamic (Hijri) months.
- Key festivals and events celebrated in these months.
Let’s explore the rich tradition of Desi months in Pakistan!
List of Desi Month Names in Pakistan with Details
Below is a complete list of Desi months used in Pakistan, along with their Gregorian equivalents and significance.
| Desi Month Name | Gregorian Equivalent | Season (موسم) |
|---|---|---|
| Chet (چیت) | March-April | بہار (Spring) |
| Vaisakh (ویساکھ) | April-May | بہار (Spring) |
| Jeth (جیٹھ) | May-June | گرما (Summer) |
| Harh (ہاڑھ) | June-July | گرما (Summer) |
| Sawan (ساون) | July-August | برسات (Monsoon) |
| Bhadon (بھادوں) | August-September | برسات (Monsoon) |
| Assu (اسو) | September-October | خزاں (Autumn) |
| Kattak (کاتک) | October-November | خزاں (Autumn) |
| Maghar (مگھر) | November-December | سرما (Winter) |
| Poh (پوہ) | December-January | سرما (Winter) |
| Magh (ماگھ) | January-February | سرما (Winter) |
| Phagun (پھگن) | February-March | بہار (Spring) |
Cultural and Agricultural Importance of Desi Months in Pakistan
1. Chet (چیت) – March to April
- Agricultural Role: Wheat harvesting begins.
- Cultural Events: Basant Festival (in Punjab, though restricted in recent years).
2. Vaisakh (ویساکھ) – April to May
- Agricultural Role: Main wheat harvest season.
- Cultural Events: Baisakhi fairs in rural Punjab.
3. Jeth (جیٹھ) – May to June
- Agricultural Role: Mango season starts in Sindh & Punjab.
- Weather: Extreme heat (“Jeth ki Looh” – scorching heat).
4. Harh (ہاڑھ) – June to July
- Agricultural Role: Pre-monsoon sowing of cotton & rice.
- Weather: Peak summer, often above 45°C in Sindh.
5. Sawan (ساون) – July to August
- Agricultural Role: Monsoon rains crucial for crops.
- Cultural Events: Sindhi & Punjabi folk songs celebrate rains.
6. Bhadon (بھادوں) – August to September
- Agricultural Role: Flood risks in Punjab & Sindh.
- Religious Events: Muharram processions observed.
7. Assu (اسو) – September to October
- Agricultural Role: Rice harvesting in Punjab.
- Cultural Events: Sufi Urs festivals (e.g., Data Ganj Bakhsh Urs).
8. Kattak (کاتک) – October to November
- Agricultural Role: Rabi crop sowing begins.
- Cultural Events: Kite flying in Lahore (pre-winter tradition).
9. Maghar (مگھر) – November to December
- Agricultural Role: Olive & citrus harvest in Balochistan.
- Cultural Events: Wedding season begins in Punjab.
10. Poh (پوہ) – December to January
- Agricultural Role: Winter wheat growth.
- Cultural Events: Lohri celebrated by Punjabi farmers.
11. Magh (ماگھ) – January to February
- Agricultural Role: Potato & vegetable harvest.
- Cultural Events: Basant preparations (despite bans).
12. Phagun (پھگن) – February to March
- Agricultural Role: Flowering season begins.
- Cultural Events: Holi (observed by Hindu communities).
Comparison Between Desi, Gregorian, and Islamic Months in Pakistan
While the Gregorian calendar is officially used, rural Pakistan still follows the Desi months for farming. The Islamic (Hijri) calendar dictates religious events, but Desi months influence local traditions.
Key Differences:
| Aspect | Desi Months | Islamic Months | Gregorian Months |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basis | Solar (season-based) | Lunar (moon-based) | Solar (fixed dates) |
| Usage | Farming, folk festivals | Religious events | Official business |
| Variation | Fixed seasons | Shifts yearly | Fixed yearly |
Conclusion: Why Desi Months Still Matter in Pakistan
Despite modernization, Desi months remain vital in Pakistan for:
✔ Agriculture – Farmers rely on them for crop cycles.
✔ Cultural Identity – Punjabi & Sindhi traditions are tied to these months.
✔ Folk Festivals – Many local events follow the Desi calendar.
By understanding Desi months, we appreciate Pakistan’s rich agrarian heritage and cultural diversity.