How to Read and Use the Daily Panchang
A beginner's guide to understanding the five elements of the Panchang — Tithi, Vara, Nakshatra, Yoga, and Karana — and how to use them in daily life.
What is Panchang?
The word "Panchang" comes from Sanskrit: "Pancha" (five) + "Anga" (limbs). It is the traditional Hindu almanac that provides five key pieces of astrological information for each day:
- Tithi – Lunar day (1 of 30)
- Vara – Day of the week
- Nakshatra – Lunar mansion occupied by the Moon
- Yoga – Combination of Sun and Moon longitudes
- Karana – Half of a Tithi
Tithi (Lunar Day)
The Tithi is calculated by the angular difference between the Sun and Moon in multiples of 12°. There are 15 Tithis in the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase) and 15 in the Krishna Paksha (waning phase). Each Tithi has specific qualities and is considered favorable or unfavorable for different activities.
Using Panchang Daily
Checking the Panchang before scheduling important activities — travel, business meetings, medical procedures, or ceremonies — is a time-honored practice that helps align human actions with the rhythms of cosmic time.