section_path: Abstract
section_name: Abstract
paragraph_text: The Indian national calendar, also called the Shaka calendar or Śaka calendar, is a solar calendar that is used alongside the Gregorian calendar by The Gazette of India, in news broadcasts by All India Radio, and in calendars and official communications issued by the Government of India. It was adopted in 1957 following the recommendation of the Calendar Reform Committee.
  
  Śaka Samvat is generally 78 years behind the Gregorian calendar, except from January–March, when it is behind by 79 years.