Tithi in Hindu Panchang: Aaj Ki Tithi, Meaning & 2026 Calendar

A tithi is the fundamental unit of the Hindu lunar calendar. Understanding tithis helps you identify auspicious days for puja, festivals, and important life events. Complete guide to all 30 tithis and their significance.

The 30 Tithis: Complete List

Shukla Paksha (Waxing Moon): Pratipada, Dwitiya, Tritiya, Chaturthi, Panchami, Shashthi, Saptami, Ashtami, Navami, Dashami, Ekadashi, Dwadashi, Trayodashi, Chaturdashi, Purnima.

Krishna Paksha (Waning Moon): Pratipada through Chaturdashi (same names), then Amavasya instead of Purnima.

Tithi Devatas (Ruling Deities)

Each tithi has a presiding deity: Pratipada is ruled by Agni (fire deity); Dwitiya by Brahma; Tritiya by Gauri; Chaturthi by Ganesha; Panchami by Naga; Shashthi by Kartikeya; Saptami by Surya; Ashtami by Rudra; Navami by Durga; Dashami by Dharmaraj; Ekadashi by Vishnu (most sacred); Dwadashi by Vishnu; Trayodashi by Cupid (Kama); Chaturdashi by Shiva; Purnima by Chandra (Moon); Amavasya by Pitrus (ancestors).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a tithi in Hindu panchang?

A tithi is a lunar day in the Hindu calendar, calculated based on the angular relationship between the Sun and Moon. When the Moon moves 12 degrees ahead of the Sun, one tithi is complete. A tithi can last anywhere from 19 to 26 hours, so it may not align with a solar day. There are 30 tithis in a lunar month: 15 in Shukla Paksha (waxing moon) and 15 in Krishna Paksha (waning moon).

What are the 15 tithis of Shukla Paksha?

Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight) tithis: 1. Pratipada, 2. Dwitiya, 3. Tritiya, 4. Chaturthi, 5. Panchami, 6. Shashthi, 7. Saptami, 8. Ashtami, 9. Navami, 10. Dashami, 11. Ekadashi, 12. Dwadashi, 13. Trayodashi, 14. Chaturdashi, 15. Purnima (Full Moon). Ekadashi (11th) and Purnima (15th) are particularly sacred.

What are the 15 tithis of Krishna Paksha?

Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) tithis mirror Shukla Paksha: 1. Pratipada through 14. Chaturdashi, followed by 15. Amavasya (New Moon). The Krishna Paksha Ekadashi (11th) is equally sacred as Shukla Ekadashi. Amavasya is significant for ancestor worship (Pitru Tarpan). Chaturdashi (14th) of Krishna Paksha is Shiva-related.

Which tithis are auspicious for important work?

Most auspicious tithis: Pratipada (1st), Dwitiya (2nd), Tritiya (3rd), Panchami (5th), Saptami (7th), Dashami (10th), Ekadashi (11th), Dwadashi (12th), and Trayodashi (13th). Tithis to avoid for new beginnings: Chaturthi (4th), Ashtami (8th), Navami (9th), Chaturdashi (14th), and the two Paksha days (Amavasya/Purnima depending on tradition).

What is the difference between Shukla Paksha and Krishna Paksha?

Shukla Paksha is the waxing moon fortnight (from Amavasya/New Moon to Purnima/Full Moon). It is generally considered more auspicious for new beginnings, marriages, and positive rituals. Krishna Paksha is the waning moon fortnight (from Purnima to Amavasya). It is more suited for ancestor rituals, introspection, and completion of ongoing work.

How does tithi affect daily life in Vedic astrology?

In Vedic astrology, the tithi at birth indicates certain qualities: Purnima births are associated with beauty and achievement; Amavasya births with introspection; Ekadashi with spirituality; Chaturthi with Ganesha blessings. The ruling deity of the tithi influences activities performed on that day. Panchang followers check the tithi before scheduling important events.

What is Kshaya Tithi (lost tithi)?

A Kshaya Tithi (diminished tithi) occurs when a tithi begins and ends within the same solar day, without touching sunrise on any day. Since tithis can be shorter than 24 hours, occasionally a tithi is 'lost' or 'skipped' in the panchang count. Conversely, a Vriddhi Tithi (expanded tithi) spans two sunrises. These variations affect the panchang significantly for festival calculations.

What are the five elements of panchang?

Panchang (five limbs) consists of: 1. Tithi (lunar day), 2. Vara (weekday), 3. Nakshatra (moon's asterism), 4. Yoga (sum of Sun-Moon longitudes divided by 13.33 degrees, 27 total), 5. Karana (half of a tithi, 11 types). A muhurat is auspicious when all five elements align favorably for the intended activity.

How do I find today's tithi?

To find today's tithi (aaj ki tithi): Check a reliable Hindu panchang app or website, ask your local pandit, or use a Vedic calendar. You can look at an annual printed panchang (almanac) showing tithi, nakshatra, and other details for each day. Popular panchang apps include Drik Panchang, PanchangToday, and regional panchang applications for your state's tradition.