Panchang is a traditional Hindu calendar based on Vedic astrology that provides daily details such as Tithi, Nakshatra, Yoga, Karana and weekday, along with auspicious and inauspicious timings.
Panchang helps determine the right time for religious rituals, festivals, fasting, marriages, travel and important life events by aligning actions with planetary movements.
Today’s Panchang includes sunrise, sunset, moonrise, moonset, Tithi, Nakshatra, Yoga, Karana, Paksha, Rahu Kalam, Yamagandam, Gulika Kalam, Abhijit Muhurta, Durmuhurta, Choghadiya and Hora.
Tithi is the lunar day calculated based on the angular distance between the Moon and the Sun. Each Tithi spans 12 degrees of lunar motion.
Vedic Panchang follows the sunrise-based day rule. A Panchang day begins at local sunrise, not at midnight, which is essential for accurate Tithi and Nakshatra calculations.
Paksha represents the lunar fortnight. Shukla Paksha is the waxing phase of the Moon, while Krishna Paksha is the waning phase.
Nakshatra is the Moon’s position among 27 constellations. It influences the nature of the day, emotional tendencies and suitability of activities.
Yoga is calculated from the combined longitudes of the Sun and Moon and indicates the overall quality and energy of the day.
Karana is half of a Tithi. There are 11 Karanas that rotate throughout the lunar month and affect auspiciousness of actions.
Rahu Kalam is an inauspicious period ruled by Rahu. Starting new or important work during this time is traditionally avoided.
Yamagandam is another inauspicious time period ruled by Yama. It is generally avoided for initiating auspicious activities.
Gulika Kalam is a time period associated with Saturn and is considered inauspicious for starting new ventures.
Abhijit Muhurta is a highly auspicious midday period suitable for starting important activities. It is generally absent on Wednesdays.
Durmuhurta is an inauspicious time interval calculated based on weekday and day length. Certain days have two Durmuhurtas.
Choghadiya divides the day and night into eight equal segments classified as auspicious or inauspicious for activities like travel and work.
Hora divides the day and night into 24 planetary hours, each ruled by a planet, and is used to choose suitable times for specific actions.
Choghadiya divides the day and night into eight time segments, while Hora
divides the day into 24 planetary hours used for muhurta selection.