Today Tithi: Complete Guide to Reading the Daily Tithi

Knowing today's tithi is the gateway to aligning daily life with the natural rhythms encoded in the Vedic Panchang. Whether you are planning a puja, choosing a day to sign a contract, or simply wanting to understand why certain days feel energetically different, the tithi — the lunar day — is the primary parameter to consult. As of 2026, the tithi system remains the living backbone of auspicious timing decisions for hundreds of millions of people across India and the Indian diaspora worldwide.

> Quick Answer: Today's tithi is the current lunar day, determined by the angular gap between the Sun and Moon. Check the live tithi on our Panchang page. Tithis change approximately every 19–26 hours, so the tithi active at sunrise governs the day for most purposes. Each of the 30 tithis has a ruling deity, an energy quality, and specific activity recommendations.

Reviewed by Dr. Meenakshi Sharma, M.A. Sanskrit & Vedic Studies, Varanasi — as of May 2026.

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A tithi is one thirtieth of a lunar month — specifically, the time it takes for the Moon's longitude to advance exactly 12 degrees ahead of the Sun's longitude. The Moon moves roughly 13.2 degrees per day while the Sun moves approximately 1 degree per day, so the Moon gains about 12.2 degrees on the Sun each day — nearly one tithi per solar day, but not exactly.

This slight discrepancy is why tithis and solar days do not align cleanly. A tithi can be anywhere from 19 hours (when the Moon is near its orbital perigee, moving fastest) to 26 hours (near apogee, moving slowest). The Surya Siddhanta and Aryabhatiya both provide the mathematical basis for this calculation, and modern ephemeris software applies these classical formulas with astronomical precision.

> Quick Answer: A tithi equals 12 degrees of Sun-Moon angular separation. It lasts 19–26 hours depending on the Moon's orbital speed. The Surya Siddhanta defined this calculation over 1,500 years ago. Modern Panchang software uses the same mathematical principle with updated astronomical constants.

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Step 1: Go to a live Panchang tool. Visit our Panchang page and the current tithi displays automatically based on your date and location.

Step 2: Note the tithi name and number. The Panchang will show the tithi name (e.g., "Navami"), its number (9), and which fortnight it belongs to (Shukla Paksha or Krishna Paksha).

Step 3: Note the start and end time. Every Panchang listing includes the time the current tithi ends and the next begins. This is crucial for ritual timing — if you need to perform a puja during a specific tithi, it must fall within that window.

Step 4: Identify the governing day. For most purposes, the tithi active at local sunrise is the tithi of the day. If the tithi changes after sunrise but before sunset, both tithis are relevant — the day is called a "mixed" day and the Panchang will note which activities suit which window.

Step 5: Cross-reference the quality. Every tithi belongs to one of five categories — Nanda, Bhadra, Jaya, Rikta, or Purna — which indicates its overall energy quality for general activities.

> Quick Answer: To read today's tithi: check a live Panchang for the tithi name, number, fortnight (Shukla or Krishna Paksha), and the exact time it ends. The tithi at sunrise governs the day. Note the quality category (Nanda/Bhadra/Jaya/Rikta/Purna) to assess suitability for activities. Our Panchang page shows all this in one view.

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Pratipada (1st Tithi)

Pratipada is the first tithi after Purnima (Shukla Pratipada) or after Amavasya (Krishna Pratipada). It is a Nanda tithi — carrying the energy of joy and new beginnings. Ruled by Agni (fire), Pratipada is auspicious for starting new projects, travel, and worship. Shukla Pratipada of Chaitra marks the Hindu New Year (Ugadi/Gudi Padwa).

Dwitiya (2nd Tithi)

Ruled by Brahma, the creator. A Bhadra (auspicious) tithi, good for construction, travel, and educational activities. The second day of the bright fortnight after Diwali is Bhai Dooj, falling on Kartik Shukla Dwitiya.

Tritiya (3rd Tithi)

Ruled by Gauri (Parvati). A Jaya (victory) tithi — one of the most consistently auspicious. Akshaya Tritiya falls on Vaishakha Shukla Tritiya and is considered the most self-evidently auspicious tithi of the year. Good for weddings, gold purchases, and new ventures.

Chaturthi (4th Tithi)

Ruled by Ganesha and Yama. A Rikta (diminished) tithi — generally avoided for auspicious social activities. However, it is the premier tithi for Ganesha worship. Ganesh Chaturthi falls on Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi. Monthly Sankashti Chaturthi (Krishna Paksha 4th) is observed for Ganesha.

Panchami (5th Tithi)

Ruled by the Nagas (serpents). A Purna (complete) tithi — auspicious for learning, medicine, and creative arts. Vasant Panchami, dedicated to Saraswati, falls on Magha Shukla Panchami.

Shashthi (6th Tithi)

Ruled by Kartika (Skanda/Murugan). A Nanda tithi — joyful, good for worship and creative work. Shashthi is particularly associated with Skanda Shashthi, the six-day fast dedicated to Lord Murugan.

Saptami (7th Tithi)

Ruled by Surya (the Sun). A Bhadra tithi — good for travel, vehicle purchases, and solar worship. Ratha Saptami, marking the Sun's northward turn, falls in Magha Shukla Saptami.

Ashtami (8th Tithi)

Ruled by Rudra. A Jaya tithi — powerful for Durga and Shiva worship. Krishna Janmashtami falls on Krishna Paksha Ashtami of Bhadrapada. Both Shukla and Krishna Ashtami are observed as Durga Ashtami during Navratri.

Navami (9th Tithi)

Ruled by Durga. A Rikta tithi in general classification, but a supreme tithi for Shakti worship. Rama Navami falls on Chaitra Shukla Navami. Maha Navami is the ninth day of Navratri.

Dashami (10th Tithi)

Ruled by Dharmaraja (Yama as the righteous judge). A Purna tithi — auspicious for social activities and completion of projects. Vijayadashami (Dussehra) falls on Ashvina Shukla Dashami.

Ekadashi (11th Tithi)

Ruled by Vishnu. A Nanda tithi and the most sacred fasting day in Hinduism. There are 24 Ekadashis per year, each with a specific name and importance. The Padma Purana devotes extensive chapters to Ekadashi's origin and the merit of fasting on this day.

Dwadashi (12th Tithi)

Ruled by Vishnu (specifically Hari in his role as sustainer). A Bhadra tithi — considered especially auspicious because it follows Ekadashi and the pious energy of the fast carries forward. Good for almost all activities.

Trayodashi (13th Tithi)

Ruled by Kama (the deity of desire and intention). A Jaya tithi. The Pradosh Vrat, one of the most powerful Shiva vrats, is observed on Trayodashi. Both Shukla and Krishna Trayodashi are Pradosh days.

Chaturdashi (14th Tithi)

Ruled by Shiva. A Rikta tithi by general classification, but the supreme tithi for Shiva worship and for propitiating Rudra. Maha Shivratri falls on Phalguna Krishna Chaturdashi. Narak Chaturdashi is on Kartik Krishna Chaturdashi (the day before Diwali).

Purnima (15th Tithi, Shukla Paksha)

Ruled by Chandra (the Moon). A Purna tithi — the pinnacle of the bright fortnight, when the Moon is at full luminosity. Each month's Purnima has a specific name: Guru Purnima (Ashadha), Raksha Bandhan Purnima (Shravana), Sharad Purnima (Ashvina), Kartik Purnima (Kartik), and so on.

Amavasya (15th Tithi, Krishna Paksha)

Ruled by the Pitru Devatas (ancestral deities). A Purna tithi in terms of completeness of the lunar cycle — the new moon. The most powerful day for tarpan (water offerings to ancestors) and Pitru worship. Diwali falls on Kartik Amavasya.

> Quick Answer: The 30 tithis run from Pratipada (1st) to Purnima (15th) in Shukla Paksha, and from Pratipada (1st) to Amavasya (15th) in Krishna Paksha. Each tithi has a ruling deity, a quality category (Nanda/Bhadra/Jaya/Rikta/Purna), and specific activity recommendations. Ekadashi (11th), Purnima (full moon), and Amavasya (new moon) are the three most universally observed.

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The Muhurta Chintamani provides clear guidelines on tithi selection for different categories of activity:

Best tithis for weddings: Dwitiya, Tritiya, Panchami, Saptami, Dashami, Dwadashi, Trayodashi (Shukla Paksha preferred). Avoid Chaturthi, Ashtami, Navami, Chaturdashi, and Amavasya for weddings.

Best tithis for travel: Dwitiya, Tritiya, Saptami, Dashami, Dwadashi. The Moon's position in Nakshatra also matters, but these tithis support journeys.

Best tithis for financial and business matters: Tritiya (Akshaya energy), Panchami, Dashami, Dwadashi. Avoid Chaturthi, Rikta tithis, and Amavasya for large financial transactions.

Best tithis for construction and griha pravesh: Dwitiya, Tritiya, Panchami, Saptami, Dashami, Dwadashi, Trayodashi.

Best tithis for education and learning: Panchami (Saraswati's tithi), Saptami, Dwadashi.

Tithis for deity-specific worship: Chaturthi (Ganesha), Panchami (Naga Devatas), Ashtami and Navami (Durga), Ekadashi and Dwadashi (Vishnu), Trayodashi and Chaturdashi (Shiva), Purnima (Chandra/lunar deities), Amavasya (Pitru Devatas).

> Quick Answer: Tritiya, Panchami, Saptami, Dashami, and Dwadashi are the most consistently recommended tithis for general auspicious activities. Rikta tithis (Chaturthi, Navami, Chaturdashi) are avoided for social ceremonies but are ideal for specific deity worship. Always cross-check with Nakshatra, Vara, and Yoga for complete muhurta selection.

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The following fasts are tithi-based and observed monthly:

1. Chaturthi: Sankashti Chaturthi (Ganesha vrat, observed on Krishna Paksha Chaturthi) 2. Ekadashi: Both Shukla and Krishna Ekadashi — 24 fasts per year 3. Pradosh: Both Shukla and Krishna Trayodashi — Shiva vrat 4. Chaturdashi: Some traditions observe a monthly Shiva vrat on Chaturdashi 5. Purnima: Monthly full moon fast 6. Amavasya: Monthly new moon — ancestral offerings and optional fasting

The regularity of tithi-based fasting creates a monthly rhythm of spiritual practice that, according to the Dharmashastra, gradually purifies the practitioner's energy body and strengthens their relationship with presiding deities.

> Quick Answer: Key monthly vrat days by tithi: Chaturthi (Ganesha), Ekadashi (Vishnu — twice monthly), Trayodashi/Pradosh (Shiva — twice monthly), Purnima (full moon), and Amavasya (new moon/ancestors). Observing even two or three of these monthly produces a consistent spiritual practice grounded in the natural lunar cycle.

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The Muhurta Chintamani (authored by Rama Daivagna, approximately 17th century CE) is the standard reference for tithi-based muhurta. It draws on earlier works including the Brihat Samhita (Varahamihira, 6th century CE), the Jyotish sections of the Dharmasindhu, and the Nirnayasindhu.

The Brihat Samhita devotes a dedicated chapter (Chapter 99, Muhurta Adhyaya) to tithi qualities. Varahamihira's treatment is foundational and all subsequent muhurta literature builds on his framework. The Dharmasindhu, compiled in the 18th century, synthesises earlier rulings and is widely used by practising pandits today for tithi-related dharmic decisions.

> Quick Answer: The authoritative texts for tithi observance are the Muhurta Chintamani (Rama Daivagna), the Brihat Samhita (Varahamihira), the Dharmasindhu, and the Nirnayasindhu. These texts classify each tithi, prescribe activities, and give rules for edge cases like Tithi Kshaya and Vriddhi. Practising astrologers and pandits use these texts as primary references.

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Even outside formal ritual, knowing today's tithi helps calibrate daily choices. On Ekadashi, adopt a lighter diet whether or not you observe the full fast. On Purnima, the heightened lunar energy is ideal for meditation, mantra practice, and expressions of gratitude. On Amavasya, honour ancestors through remembrance and charitable giving. On Trayodashi, a brief Shiva abhisheka in the morning aligns with the day's energy without requiring a full vrat.

The Panchang is not a system of restrictions — it is a map of energetic opportunities. Each tithi opens a specific channel of grace, and the daily practice of tithi-awareness gradually builds a deepened sense of the natural rhythms underlying ordinary time.

> Quick Answer: Daily tithi awareness means lighter diet on Ekadashi, gratitude and meditation on Purnima, ancestral remembrance on Amavasya, and brief Shiva worship on Trayodashi. The Panchang is a map of daily energetic opportunities, not a list of rules. Even a few minutes of tithi-aligned practice each day deepens the quality of spiritual life significantly. Check your birth chart to understand which tithis are most significant for your individual chart.

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1. What is the tithi today? Today's tithi changes daily based on the Moon's position. Visit our live Panchang page for the current tithi, its end time, and the next tithi.

2. How often does the tithi change? Approximately every 19 to 26 hours. On some solar days, two tithis are active; on others, a tithi is skipped (kshaya). The tithi at sunrise governs the day for most ritual purposes.

3. What is the difference between Shukla Paksha and Krishna Paksha tithis? Shukla Paksha is the waxing fortnight (new moon to full moon) — energy builds toward Purnima. Krishna Paksha is the waning fortnight (full moon to new moon) — energy moves toward completion and dissolution. The same numbered tithi in each fortnight shares its ruling deity but carries a different energetic context.

4. Is there a tithi that is universally auspicious? Tritiya (3rd tithi) is the most consistently auspicious for general activities in both Shukla and Krishna Paksha. Akshaya Tritiya (Vaishakha Shukla Tritiya) is considered the most auspicious single tithi of the year.

5. Which tithi should I avoid for weddings? Avoid Chaturthi, Ashtami, Navami, Chaturdashi, Amavasya, and the Rikta tithis in general for weddings. Shukla Paksha tithis are preferred over Krishna Paksha tithis for marriage ceremonies.

6. What does it mean when the Panchang shows two tithis for a day? This is Tithi Vriddhi — one tithi ends and another begins during the same solar day. The first tithi governs the period before the transition; the second governs after. For ritual purposes, choose the window that falls within your desired tithi.

7. Is today's tithi the same everywhere in India? The tithi is calculated based on the Sun-Moon angle, which is the same globally. However, the time a tithi starts and ends may differ by a few minutes based on your local time zone. For most of India (IST, UTC+5:30), the difference across the country is negligible for daily practice.

8. Can I fast on any Ekadashi or do I need to check my regional tradition? All 24 Ekadashis are valid for fasting. Regional traditions (Vaishnava, Shaiva, Smarta) may emphasise specific Ekadashis — Devutthana Ekadashi (Vishnu's awakening), Nirjala Ekadashi, Vaikuntha Ekadashi. Any Ekadashi fast is meritorious.

9. What is the best tithi for starting a job or new career? Tritiya, Panchami, Saptami, Dashami, and Dwadashi are all recommended for new professional beginnings. Check the Nakshatra (Moon's mansion) and Vara (day of week) in addition to the tithi for a complete muhurta assessment.

10. Where do I check the tithi for past or future dates? Our Panchang page allows you to check the tithi for any date. For historical tithis or future planning, a printed annual Panchang or digital Panchang tool provides complete listings.