Panchang for Varanasi – 20 September 2026

Tithi — The Lunar Day

What is Tithi in Panchang?

Tithi is the lunar day, calculated based on the angular difference between the Sun and the Moon. As the Moon moves roughly 12 degrees ahead of the Sun, a new Tithi begins. There are 30 Tithis in a lunar month, each carrying its own deity, auspicious activities, and energy.

There are 30 Tithis in a lunar month, split equally between Shukla Paksha (the bright fortnight, from new Moon to full Moon) and Krishna Paksha (the dark fortnight, from full Moon back to new Moon).

A key thing to understand: Tithis do not follow the clock. A Tithi can begin at any hour and end at any hour — sometimes two Tithis fall in the same calendar day, and sometimes a single Tithi spans two calendar days. This is why simply knowing the English date is never enough when planning something sacred.

Nakshatra — The Lunar Mansion

What is Nakshatra in Panchang?

Nakshatra is the star constellation the Moon occupies on any given day. Vedic astrology divides the sky into 27 Nakshatras, each spanning 13 degrees and 20 minutes of the zodiac. Each Nakshatra has its own ruling planet, deity, quality, and set of favoured activities.

As the Moon travels through the sky, it passes through each Nakshatra over approximately one day.

• Ashwini, ruled by the Ashwini Kumaras, is ideal for medical treatments and new beginnings.
• Rohini, ruled by the Moon, is considered one of the most fertile and auspicious Nakshatras.
• Pushya — often called the king of Nakshatras — is widely considered the most auspicious for starting important work.
• Moola and Ashlesha are considered more intense Nakshatras requiring careful planning.

Understanding today's Nakshatra can help you decide whether the day is more suited to action or contemplation, expansion or consolidation. It also plays a critical role in Muhurat selection.

Yoga — The Luni-Solar Combination

What is Yoga in Panchang?

Yoga in Panchang refers to a special combination derived by adding the longitude of the Sun and the Moon. There are 27 Yogas in total, ranging from highly auspicious to deeply inauspicious. It indicates the overarching energy quality of the day.

Siddha Yoga, Amrit Yoga, and Shubha Yoga are considered excellent for important work. Vyatipata and Vaidhriti Yogas, on the other hand, are considered highly inauspicious and are avoided for anything significant.

Karana — The Half-Lunar Day

What is Karana in Panchang?

Karana is half of a Tithi — meaning each Tithi contains two Karanas. There are 11 Karanas in total: 4 fixed and 7 repeating. The Vishti Karana (Bhadra) is considered particularly inauspicious and is avoided for starting anything important.

The Karana is the most granular unit of the Panchang, making it especially useful for fine-tuning Muhurat selection. When you want to know not just which day is auspicious, but which part of the day to begin — the Karana gives you that precision.

Vaar — The Day of the Week

What is Vaar in Panchang?

Vaar is the day of the week as we ordinarily know it — Sunday to Saturday. In the Panchang, each day is ruled by a specific planet, and that planetary energy sets the tone for the day.

• Ravivaar (Sunday) is ruled by the Sun — ideal for government-related work and healing practices.
• Somvaar (Monday) belongs to the Moon and is sacred to Lord Shiva.
• Mangalvaar (Tuesday) is Mars' day — associated with Lord Hanuman.
• Budhvaar (Wednesday) belongs to Mercury — great for business and communication.
• Guruvaar (Thursday) is Jupiter's day, ideal for teaching and spiritual growth.
• Shukravaar (Friday) belongs to Venus — associated with beauty and relationships.
• Shanivaar (Saturday) is Saturn's day — excellent for karmic work and charitable activities.