How to read a panchang: tithi, nakshatra, yoga and karana explained simply

A panchang is a calendar of astrological information for a day. “Panch” means five and “anga” means part. The five main parts are tithi, vara, nakshatra, yoga and karana. Sunrise, sunset, Rahu Kaal and Abhijit muhurat are usually given alongside.

Tithi

A tithi is based on the angle between the Sun and the Moon. There are 30 tithis in a lunar month: 15 from the first day of the waxing fortnight to Purnima, and 15 from the first day of the waning fortnight to Amavasya. The timing is set by the Moon’s movement, not sunrise.

Vara

Vara means weekday. Each day has a ruling planet: Sunday the Sun, Monday the Moon, Tuesday Mars, Wednesday Mercury, Thursday Jupiter, Friday Venus and Saturday Saturn. That is why some days are chosen for particular tasks.

Nakshatra

The panchang tells you which nakshatra the Moon is in that day. Nakshatras are used in muhurat, matching and dasha. The Moon changes nakshatra about every two and a half days, so it can change within a single day.

Yoga and karana

Yoga is formed by adding the longitudes of the Sun and Moon and has 27 types. Karana is a half-day measure with 11 types. People who choose muhurats look at yoga and karana more closely; for everyday planning, tithi and nakshatra are enough to understand.

What Rahu Kaal is

Rahu Kaal is a particular period of the day, found by dividing the time from sunrise to sunset into eight parts. Tradition suggests avoiding new beginnings or auspicious work in this window. It falls at a different time each day and depends on local sunrise.

How to use a panchang

• Check your city’s sunrise, because Rahu Kaal and the day’s calculations depend on it.
• For an important task, look at both tithi and nakshatra.
• Do not decide from one part alone; read the full panchang and your own comfort.
• For religious work, give weight to your family’s tradition too.

A panchang is a source of information, not fear. Use it to plan your day, not as a compulsion.