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The year 1882 is based on the most widely used calendar in India, the Vikram calendar that started in the coronation year of King Vikram. This date corresponds to Sunday 12th February 1826 AD. The 5th day of the bright half of Maha is also called Vasant Panchmi and is considered the first day of spring.

The Vikram calendar is based around the lunar cycle. Each year is divided into 12 equal months comprising of 30 days. Each month is further divided into two equal halves. The first half (sud) is referred to as the bright half and this corresponds to the 15 days from when there is a new moon to when a full moon is visible (poonam), i.e. when the moon is waxing. The dark half (vad) refers to when the moon is waning, i.e. the 15 days from the full moon to when there is none (amaas).