Tithi: The Hindu lunar day
Tithi is based on the angular separation between the Sun and Moon. A lunar month has 30 Tithis divided between Shukla Paksha, the waxing phase, and Krishna Paksha, the waning phase. A Tithi can begin or end at any time of day.
Vara: The weekday
Vara identifies the weekday for the selected location. A sunrise-based Panchang generally associates the traditional day with the local sunrise, so the selected time zone and sunrise matter.
Nakshatra: The lunar mansion
Nakshatra divides the sidereal zodiac into 27 sections. The Moon’s sidereal longitude determines the current Nakshatra; its Pada is one of four subdivisions within that section.
Yoga: The Sun-Moon combination
Yoga is calculated from the combined sidereal longitudes of the Sun and Moon and divided into 27 sections. The applicable result can change during the day.
Karana: Half a Tithi
Karana corresponds to a six-degree interval of Sun-Moon angular separation. Traditional Panchang calculations use a specific sequence of repeating and fixed Karanas.
Why location matters
Sunrise, sunset, Moonrise, Moonset, time zone and weekday are location-dependent. Regional calendar conventions can also differ, so two Panchang sources may not always show identical timings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I calculate Panchang outside India?
Yes. Search for a city worldwide or enter its latitude, longitude and IANA time zone. Sunrise-based results require a usable sunrise for that date; in polar regions, use specific-time mode when possible.
Why can results differ from another Panchang website?
Sources may use different ayanamsas, ephemerides, sunrise definitions, local-day conventions, or regional rules. This widget uses an on-browser Lahiri-inspired approximation and should be cross-checked for important observances.
What is the difference between Daily Panchang and a specific-time calculation?
Daily Panchang uses local sunrise as its reference when sunrise is available. Specific-time mode calculates the five elements for the exact local date and clock time you select. An element may change between these moments.
Does this calculator decide festival dates?
It reports astronomical Panchang elements and selected traditional periods. Determining a festival date may require additional regional rules, lunar-month conventions, observance criteria and local religious practice.