Panchang Basics: The Five Limbs of the Hindu Calendar
Learn the five elements of the Panchang — Tithi, Vara, Nakshatra, Yoga and Karana — and how they are used to find auspicious days.
In this article
- 1. Tithi (lunar day)
- 2. Vara (weekday)
- 3. Nakshatra (lunar mansion)
- 4. Yoga (Sun–Moon combination)
- 5. Karana (half tithi)
- Other Panchang details
- Why the Panchang varies by city
The Panchang (from Sanskrit pancha, five, and anga, limb) is the traditional Hindu almanac. Millions of families consult it daily to choose dates for festivals, weddings, travel and new ventures. It is built on five measurements of the Sun and Moon.
1. Tithi (lunar day)
A tithi is the time it takes for the Moon to gain 12° on the Sun. There are 30 tithis in a lunar month — 15 in the bright half (Shukla Paksha) ending with Purnima (full moon) and 15 in the dark half (Krishna Paksha) ending with Amavasya (new moon). Ekadashi, the 11th tithi, is widely observed with fasting.
2. Vara (weekday)
Each weekday is ruled by a planet: Sunday (Sun), Monday (Moon), Tuesday (Mars), Wednesday (Mercury), Thursday (Jupiter), Friday (Venus) and Saturday (Saturn). The Hindu day begins at sunrise, not midnight.
3. Nakshatra (lunar mansion)
The nakshatra the Moon occupies at the time. Some are considered "fixed" and good for foundations (Rohini, Uttara Phalguni), others "swift" for travel and trade (Ashwini, Pushya, Hasta).
4. Yoga (Sun–Moon combination)
Calculated from the combined longitudes of the Sun and Moon, there are 27 yogas. Most are favourable; a few, such as Vyatipata and Vaidhriti, are traditionally avoided for important beginnings.
5. Karana (half tithi)
Each tithi has two karanas, giving 11 types. Vishti, also called Bhadra, is generally avoided for auspicious work.
Other Panchang details
A daily Panchang also lists sunrise and sunset, Moon sign, Rahu Kaal (an inauspicious period of about 90 minutes each day), Abhijit Muhurta (an auspicious midday window) and upcoming festivals.
Why the Panchang varies by city
Because tithis and nakshatras change at specific moments and the day starts at local sunrise, a festival can fall on different dates in different places. Always use a Panchang calculated for your location.
Learning the five limbs helps you understand why festivals move each year and how traditional calendars connect daily life with the rhythms of the sky.
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