Tithi in Hindu Calendar: Guide to Lunar Days
What is a Tithi?
A Tithi is a lunar day in the Hindu calendar, defined by the angular distance between the Sun and the Moon. Each Tithi represents a 12-degree difference in the elongation of the Moon from the Sun. Since the Moon completes one full cycle relative to the Sun in approximately 29.5 days, there are 30 Tithis in a complete lunar month. Tithi is the first and most important element of the Panchang.
The Two Pakshas (Fortnights)
The 30 Tithis are divided into two Pakshas of 15 Tithis each:
- Shukla Paksha (Waxing Fortnight): From the New Moon (Amavasya) to the Full Moon (Purnima). The Moon grows brighter each day, symbolizing growth, new beginnings, and increasing energy.
- Krishna Paksha (Waning Fortnight): From the Full Moon (Purnima) to the New Moon (Amavasya). The Moon diminishes each day, representing introspection, completion, and release.
The 15 Tithis
Both Pakshas share the same 15 Tithi names:
- Pratipada (1st): New beginnings; the first day after Purnima or Amavasya
- Dwitiya (2nd): Generally auspicious for travel and starting journeys
- Tritiya (3rd): Favorable for ceremonies; Akshaya Tritiya is celebrated on this Tithi
- Chaturthi (4th): Sacred to Lord Ganesha; Ganesh Chaturthi falls on this day
- Panchami (5th): Associated with Goddess Saraswati and learning; Vasant Panchami
- Shashthi (6th): Sacred to Lord Murugan (Skanda); Skanda Shashthi
- Saptami (7th): Associated with the Sun; Ratha Saptami
- Ashtami (8th): Sacred to Goddess Durga; Krishna Janmashtami falls on Krishna Ashtami
- Navami (9th): Associated with Goddess Durga; Ram Navami, Maha Navami
- Dashami (10th): Victory; Vijayadashami (Dussehra)
- Ekadashi (11th): The most important fasting day, sacred to Lord Vishnu
- Dwadashi (12th): The day Ekadashi fasts are broken; also significant for Vaishnava traditions
- Trayodashi (13th): Pradosh Vrat is observed on this Tithi
- Chaturdashi (14th): Associated with Lord Shiva; Maha Shivaratri falls on Krishna Chaturdashi
- Purnima/Amavasya (15th): Full Moon or New Moon, both carrying immense spiritual significance
Tithi and Daily Life
Understanding Tithis helps in multiple ways:
- Religious Observances: Most Hindu festivals and fasts are determined by specific Tithis rather than fixed calendar dates.
- Muhurta Selection: Certain Tithis are considered auspicious or inauspicious for specific activities like marriage, housewarming, or business ventures.
- Spiritual Practice: Ekadashi fasting, Pradosh Vrat on Trayodashi, and Chaturthi worship all follow the Tithi calendar.
Check Today's Tithi
Stay aligned with the lunar rhythm by checking the current Tithi on Purohit.app Panchang. Knowing the Tithi helps you plan religious observances, make informed decisions, and connect with the ancient traditions that have guided Hindu life for millennia.