What is Panchang?
The Hindu Panchang (पञ्चांग) is the traditional Hindu calendar and almanac. The word *Panchang* comes from *pancha* (five) and *anga* (limbs), referring to its five key elements. It is one of the world's oldest continuous astronomical and astrological systems, dating back over 5,000 years.
The 5 Elements of Panchang
1. Tithi (तिथि) — Lunar Day A Tithi is a lunar day based on the angular relationship between the Sun and Moon. There are 30 Tithis in a lunar month, divided into two fortnights (*paksha*): - **Shukla Paksha** (bright fortnight): Pratipada to Purnima (Full Moon) - **Krishna Paksha** (dark fortnight): Pratipada to Amavasya (New Moon)
Key Tithis: Ekadashi (11th — ideal for fasting), Chaturdashi (14th — Mahashivratri), Purnima (Full Moon — auspicious for most rituals).
2. Nakshatra (नक्षत्र) — Lunar Mansion A Nakshatra is one of 27 lunar mansions (constellations) through which the Moon travels. Each Nakshatra spans 13°20' of the zodiac. The Moon transits one Nakshatra approximately every day.
Important Nakshatras: - **Rohini** — deeply auspicious, Lord Krishna's birth Nakshatra - **Pushya** — best for new beginnings and major purchases - **Ashwini** — ideal for medical treatments and journeys - **Chitra** — favours creative work and beauty
3. Vaar (वार) — Day of the Week Each day of the week is ruled by a planet: | Day | Planet | Best For | |---|---|---| | Sunday (Ravi) | Sun | Government work, father | | Monday (Som) | Moon | Mind, mother, meditation | | Tuesday (Mangal) | Mars | Courage, property matters | | Wednesday (Budh) | Mercury | Business, communication | | Thursday (Guru) | Jupiter | Education, teachers | | Friday (Shukra) | Venus | Art, marriage, beauty | | Saturday (Shani) | Saturn | Hard work, service |
4. Yoga (योग) — Auspicious Combination There are 27 Yogas formed by the combined longitudes of the Sun and Moon. Some are highly auspicious (Siddhi Yoga, Amrit Yoga), while others are inauspicious (Vyatipata, Vaidhriti).
5. Karana (करण) — Half of a Tithi Each Tithi is divided into two Karanas. There are 11 types, with Bava, Balava, Kaulava, Taitila, Gara, Vanija, and Vishti (Bhadra) being the key ones. Vishti Karana is considered inauspicious for most activities.
How Panchang is Used in Daily Life
- **Muhurta (Auspicious Timing)**: Consulting Panchang before weddings, griha pravesh, business launches, and important decisions
- **Fasting Days (Vrat)**: Determined by Ekadashi, Pradosh, Chaturthi, and Amavasya Tithis
- **Festival Dates**: All Hindu festivals are calculated using Panchang
- **Jyotish (Astrology)**: Kundli preparation and matching require Panchang data
Today's Panchang on Sanatan Sangam
Get today's Tithi, Nakshatra, Vaar, Yoga, and Sunrise/Sunset times for your city — updated daily on the Sanatan Sangam app. Available for 50+ cities across India.
🙏 Continue Your Spiritual Journey
Experience live darshan, devotional music, AI spiritual art & more on the Sanatan Sangam app.
📱 Download the App