Tithi Details

A tithi is a lunar day in the Hindu calendar, calculated from the angular distance between the Sun and the Moon. Each tithi spans exactly 12 degrees of that distance, which is why a tithi does not always match a full 24-hour day. There are 30 tithis in a complete lunar month - 15 in the bright half (Shukla Paksha) and 15 in the dark half (Krishna Paksha).

Because the Moon moves at a slightly varying speed, the length of a tithi can range from roughly 19 to 26 hours. This is the reason Hindu festival dates shift from year to year on the standard Gregorian calendar, even though they always fall on the same tithi.

Tithis are central to choosing a muhurat because some are considered highly auspicious while others are avoided for important work. Knowing the current tithi helps you plan pujas, ceremonies and new beginnings with confidence.

A tithi is found by measuring the angular separation between the Moon and the Sun in the sky. Every time that separation increases by 12 degrees, one tithi is completed. This is a purely astronomical calculation that has been used in India for thousands of years.

The first tithi of Shukla Paksha, called Pratipada, begins at the moment of the new moon (Amavasya). The tithis then progress through Dwitiya, Tritiya and so on until Purnima (full moon), which marks the fifteenth tithi. After Purnima, the Krishna Paksha begins, counting down back towards the next Amavasya.

Modern panchang calculators perform this calculation instantly using precise planetary positions, which is far more reliable than manual table lookup.

Every Hindu month is made of two pakshas. The Shukla Paksha runs from the new moon to the full moon, a time of growth and brightness, which is preferred for most auspicious work. The Krishna Paksha runs from the full moon back to the new moon and is generally used for ancestor rituals and spiritual introspection.

Festivals are tied directly to tithis, which is why they feel movable to anyone following the standard calendar. Diwali falls on Amavasya of the Kartik month, Holi on Purnima of Phalguna, and Janmashtami on the Ashtami of the Krishna Paksha in Bhadrapada.

Understanding the paksha and tithi helps you align your actions with the natural rhythm of the lunar cycle - a practice that has guided Indian households for generations.

In Vedic tradition, the tithi sets the tone for the day. Auspicious tithis like Dwitiya, Tritiya and Panchami are preferred for weddings, housewarming and business openings. Inauspicious tithis are generally avoided for new beginnings.

The tithi also decides many Hindu festivals. Diwali falls on Amavasya, Holi on Purnima, and Janmashtami on Ashtami. When you check the tithi daily, you stay connected to this living calendar and plan your days more meaningfully.

For everyday planning, knowing whether you are in Shukla or Krishna Paksha gives you a quick sense of the day's character, and checking the tithi name tells you which deity and energy to honour.