The five limbs of the Panchang
Panchang means "five limbs". Each day of the Hindu calendar is described by five elements, and together they are used to plan festivals, fasts and Muhurat.
- Tithi: the lunar day. Each tithi is the time the Moon takes to move 12° ahead of the Sun, so a lunar month has 30 tithis. They are split into Shukla Paksha (waxing) and Krishna Paksha (waning).
- Vara: the weekday, each ruled by a planet.
- Nakshatra: the lunar mansion the Moon is passing through, one of 27.
- Yoga: one of 27 combinations calculated from the positions of the Sun and Moon.
- Karana: half of a tithi. There are 11 karanas.
Why your location matters
The Panchang for a day is reckoned from local sunrise, and sunrise depends on where you are. That is why the calendar asks for your location: the tithi and nakshatra in effect at sunrise in London or Toronto can differ from those in Pune. See upcoming festivals for your location too.
Astrology is a traditional system of interpretation, not a science. Readings are for reflection and guidance, are not guaranteed, and are not a substitute for medical, legal, financial or psychological advice. Read our astrology disclaimer.