The five limbs
- Tithi — the lunar day. Each 12° that the Moon moves ahead of the Sun is one tithi; there are 30 in a lunar month (15 in each paksha). Most festivals are fixed by tithi.
- Vara — the weekday. Ravivara (Sunday) to Shanivara (Saturday), each ruled by a graha — Surya, Chandra, Mangala, Budha, Guru, Shukra, Shani.
- Nakshatra — the lunar mansion. The Moon's position among 27 star groups, each 13°20' of the zodiac.
- Yoga — the luni-solar combination. One of 27 yogas, from the sum of the Sun's and Moon's longitudes; Vishkambha, Priti, Ayushman… Vaidhriti.
- Karana — half a tithi. There are 11 karanas; Vishti (Bhadra) is considered inauspicious for new beginnings.
Other things a Panchang shows
- Sunrise, sunset, moonrise and moonset for your city
- Auspicious periods: Abhijit Muhurat, Brahma Muhurat
- Inauspicious periods: Rahu Kaal, Yamaganda, Gulika Kaal
- The month (purnimanta and amanta), paksha, ritu (season) and samvat (era)
The Panchang on The Hindu Book is calculated for daily reference (Lahiri ayanamsa). For muhurats for weddings, griha pravesh and other major events, consult a learned priest or jyotishi.
Frequently asked questions
What does Panchang mean?
"Five limbs" — tithi, vara, nakshatra, yoga and karana, the five elements that describe each day.
Why do festival dates change every year?
Because most festivals follow the tithi (lunar day), which shifts against the solar calendar.