By Jit Majumdar
- the first ‘ayana’ or equinox; the first movement of the sun
- the ninth month of the year in the India’s national civil calendar, beginning on 22nd November and ending on 21 December, covering the period of the Vernal Equinox and corresponding to the late Autumn season. In Lunar calendars the month begins on either the Full Moon or the New Moon of the same period, while in Solar calendars the month begins with the entry of the Sun into Scorpio, and is usually the eight month of the year.