Central Sanskrit University, Lucknow campus, has developed a digital portal named “One Nation One Panchang” to provide recognized Panchang makers and publishers with 20 months of accurate astronomical data every year free of charge. This initiative aims to reduce confusion caused by differences in festival dates and sunrise-sunset times in various traditional Panchangs across India.
Background
India has a rich tradition of astronomical calculations and astrology, with Panchangs prepared according to different Rishi traditions and calculation methods. These variations result in differences in festival dates, planetary positions, and sunrise-sunset timings even for the same location.
Research and Development
Research commenced in 2022, starting with studying a 550-year-old calculation method called Acharya Ranganatha’s Beejakarma-Samskara system. This method was refined using mathematical calculations and astronomical observations to achieve more accurate planetary positions.
Further study identified the possibility of enhancing the traditional Suryasiddhanta calculation method with modern astronomical observations and mathematical verifications. There is a proposal to include these enhanced findings in the forthcoming authentic edition of Suryasiddhanta.
Central UniversityCentral Sanskrit UniversityNew Delhi, DelhiAdmission: CUET UG, CUET PG, NET/JRFEst. 1970View details
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NIRF #2 (2025)Jawaharlal Nehru UniversityNew Delhi, DelhiAdmission: CUET UG, CUET PG, NET/JRFEst. 1969View details
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NIRF #4 (2025)Jamia Millia IslamiaNew Delhi, DelhiAdmission: CUET UG, CUET PG, NET/JRFEst. 1920 · 239 acresView details
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NIRF #5 (2025)University of DelhiNew Delhi, DelhiAdmission: CUET UG, CUET PG, JEE MainEst. 1922View details
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NIRF #1 Open UniversityIndira Gandhi National Open UniversityNew Delhi, DelhiEst. 1985View detailsSLBSN
Central UniversityShri Lal Bahadur Shastri National Sanskrit UniversityNew Delhi, DelhiAdmission: CUET UG, CUET PG, NET/JRFEst. 1962View detailsSAU
Central UniversitySouth Asian UniversityNew Delhi, DelhiAdmission: Own Entrance, NET/JRFEst. 2010View detailsPortal Features for Panchang Makers
Recognized Panchang makers can register on the portal through a secure registration process. After registration, they will receive user IDs and passwords enabling them to download 20 months of astronomical data. The data includes tithi (date), day of the week, nakshatra, yoga, karana, planetary positions, retrograde/forward motion, sunrise and sunset timings, and durations of day and night. This service is provided free every year.
Preservation and Coordination of Traditions
To address the differences among Panchangs, an annual national Pandit council or scholars’ conference will be organized. Astrologers, Panchang makers, and experts in Dharma Shastra will discuss Udayatithi (sunrise time) and festival date determinations.
The initiative does not seek to abolish different Panchang traditions or impose a single method. Instead, it aims to preserve traditional systems such as Purnimant and Amant while establishing coordination through verified astronomical calculations.
