Today's Panchang

Friday, 3 April 2026

Tithi (Lunar Day)

Pratipada

The angular relationship between the Sun and Moon. Each Tithi influences the energy of the day and determines auspicious activities. Shukla Paksha (waxing) Tithis favor new beginnings; Krishna Paksha (waning) favors completion.

Nakshatra (Lunar Mansion)

Chitra

The Moon's position among the 27 Nakshatras determines the overall tone of the day. Different Nakshatras favor different activities — from travel and commerce to spiritual practices and ceremonies.

Yoga (Luni-Solar Combination)

Vyaghata

One of 27 Yogas formed by the combined longitudes of the Sun and Moon. Each Yoga carries specific qualities — some are highly auspicious (like Siddha Yoga) while others advise caution.

Karana (Half-Tithi)

Chatushpada

Each Tithi is divided into two Karanas, creating 11 types. Karanas refine the Tithi's energy and are used for precise timing of short-duration activities and rituals.

Vara (Day of the Week)

Shukravara

Each Vara (weekday) is ruled by a planet: Sunday (Sun), Monday (Moon), Tuesday (Mars), Wednesday (Mercury), Thursday (Jupiter), Friday (Venus), Saturday (Saturn). The ruling planet influences the day's energy.

Rahu Kaal

12:00 PM - 01:30 PM

An inauspicious period of approximately 90 minutes each day ruled by the shadow planet Rahu. Avoid starting new ventures, signing documents, or beginning journeys during Rahu Kaal.

Sunrise

06:00 AM

The Vedic day begins at sunrise. Sunrise time is essential for calculating planetary hours, Rahu Kaal, and performing morning rituals like Sandhyavandana.

Sunset

06:00 PM

Sunset marks the transition between the day and night portions. Many evening rituals and prayers are timed around sunset.

Understanding the Vedic Panchang

The Panchang (Sanskrit: “five limbs”) is the cornerstone of the Vedic Hindu calendar system. It has been used for thousands of years to determine auspicious timings (Muhurta), plan festivals, schedule rituals, and guide daily activities in harmony with cosmic rhythms.

Unlike the Gregorian calendar which tracks only solar days, the Panchang integrates both solar and lunar movements, creating a more complete picture of celestial influences on daily life. This dual tracking is why Hindu festivals like Diwali and Holi fall on different Gregorian dates each year — they follow specific Tithi-Nakshatra combinations in the Panchang.

Consulting the daily Panchang is a living tradition practiced by millions. Whether choosing a wedding date, starting a business, performing a puja, or simply planning your day, the five elements of the Panchang provide a framework for aligning personal actions with cosmic timing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Panchang in Vedic astrology?

Panchang (meaning "five limbs") is the traditional Vedic Hindu calendar that tracks five key elements: Tithi (lunar day), Nakshatra (lunar mansion), Yoga (luni-solar combination), Karana (half-tithi), and Vara (day of the week). It is used daily for determining auspicious timings, festivals, and rituals.

What is Rahu Kaal and why should I avoid it?

Rahu Kaal is a period of approximately 90 minutes each day ruled by the shadow planet Rahu. It is considered inauspicious for starting new activities, signing contracts, or beginning journeys. The timing varies by day of the week and geographical location. Checking Rahu Kaal is a standard practice before important events.

How is Tithi calculated?

Tithi is determined by the angular distance between the Sun and Moon. Each Tithi spans 12 degrees of separation. There are 30 Tithis in a lunar month, 15 in the waxing (Shukla Paksha) and 15 in the waning (Krishna Paksha) phase. Certain Tithis are more auspicious for specific activities.

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कालो ह्ययं बलीयस्Time is the most powerful

— Chanakya