About the NLS_CALENDAR Parameter

Specifies: Calendar system for the database.

Acceptable Values: Any calendar system that Oracle supports. For a list, see Oracle Database Globalization Support Guide.

Default Value: Gregorian

The following example shows how setting NLS_CALENDAR to 'English Hijrah' and Gregorian affects the displayed system date.

To try this example in SQL Developer, enter the statements and queries in the SQL Worksheet. For information about the SQL Worksheet, see "Running Queries in SQL Developer". The results shown here are from SQL*Plus; their format is slightly different in SQL Developer.

NLS_CALENDAR Affects Displayed SYSDATE

Note the current value of NLS_CALENDAR.

For instructions, see "Viewing NLS Parameter Values".
If the value of NLS_CALENDAR in step 1 is not 'English Hijrah', change it:
```
ALTER SESSION SET NLS_CALENDAR='English Hijrah';
```

Run this query:

SELECT SYSDATE FROM DUAL;

Result:

SYSDATE
-------------------------
29 Ramadan           1429

Change the value of NLS_CALENDAR to 'Gregorian':

ALTER SESSION SET NLS_CALENDAR='Gregorian';

Run this query:

SELECT SYSDATE FROM DUAL;

Result:

SYSDATE
---------
30-SEP-08

Set NLS_CALENDAR to the value that it had at step 1.

About the NLS_CALENDAR Parameter

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