Pune, 17th August 2023: The celebration of Hindu festivals is intricately tied to the alignment of celestial bodies and complex mathematical calculations. Ganesh Chaturthi, one of the most beloved festivals in Maharashtra, has been a topic of discussion due to discrepancies in its date this year. The clash between ancient calculations and modern ephemeris has led to differing opinions on when the auspicious occasion should be observed.
Traditionally, Hindu almanacs (panchangs) have relied on intricate calculations based on the Soorya Siddhant, an ancient Hindu astronomical treatise. However, a shift occurred after 1950 when almanacs began using ephemeris data obtained from NASA. The contradiction between these two sources is particularly evident in this year’s Ganesh Chaturthi date.
Gaurav Deshpande, a proponent of the Soorya Siddhant-based calculations, has appealed to the people of Maharashtra to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi on 18th September. Deshpande has been publishing the ‘DharmaShastra Sammat Deshpande Panchang,’ a calendar system rooted in the Soorya Siddhant, for the past nine years in the state.
Deshpande, along with revered institutions like The Banaras Hindu University and Shrungeri Shankaracharya Peeth, argues that the 18th of September aligns with the ancient calculations and teachings. This leads to the question: why do only certain Maharashtra almanacs suggest the date as 19th September?
Addressing the media, Gaurav Deshpande stated, “The Soorya Siddhant calculates tithi based on its maximum and minimum duration. The difference between the calculations in the Soorya Siddhant and NASA’s ephemeris arises due to the flexibility of the tithi’s boundary limits. This discrepancy is the root cause of the variation in festival dates.”
He further emphasized, “We have a detailed explanation of all tithi calculation formulas in the Soorya Siddhant. Instead of disregarding our established astronomical legacy, we should rectify this error.”
The Soorya-Siddhant is founded on the ‘Soorya Granth,’ an astronomical epic that imparts wisdom from the Sun God to May Rakshasa. This ancient knowledge traces back to Satyug, the age of truth and integrity, adding a layer of reverence to the calculations.
The Ganesh Chaturthi date dilemma serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between ancient wisdom and modern advancements in the world of astronomy. As Maharashtra grapples with the choice of date, it underscores the need to respect both traditional beliefs and scientific progress in the ever-evolving landscape of religious observances.
