A notable attempt at globalisation started long ago when many of the countries in the world adopted the Gregorian calendar – thanks to largely the East India Company and the early settlers in the new continent called the America . It is interesting how this happened over a period of time when many countries in Asia and Africa and also some parts of Europe had their own calendar . Ancient India had a SAKA calendar much older than the gregorian calendar.It is now reduced to an official entity of the government of India with only a prestige value and hardly followed or used for any purpose. My own home state KERALA has an indigenous calendar called “KOLLA VARSHAM” or the year of Kollam.It was started in AD 824 and conforms to the 365 days of the present english calendar but with different number of days in certain months and a different start date in mid August . The Chinese have a totally different calendar with each block of year attributed to an animal with attended characteristics. The Russians had their new year beginning in September till 17th century,then changed it to January.
In India , as time passed, the adoption of the gregorian/english calendar also included native traditions starting on 1st Jan each year. For example , people visit temples on that day and make offerings to the God almighty to help begin the year well. Merchants conduct opening ceremonies of shops on new year day, considering it a good beginning , even though many still follow the custom of starting anything on an auspicious day and time as per the Hindu almanac.
After many a transitions in global affairs and even after much scientific progress, cultural differences exist in the world for very good reasons. But, an english calendar has brought in harmonious relations in global commerce and understanding without sacrificing individual sensitivities. Great job done!!