The Tithi Blog
Guides to the Hindu calendar, written plainly and checked against the astronomy.
How to Read a Panchang: The Five Limbs Explained
Tithi, vara, nakshatra, yoga and karana: a beginner's guide to the five limbs of the Hindu panchang and how to use them to choose a good day.
All 24 Ekadashi Names: Month-by-Month List and Significance
The names of every Ekadashi in the Hindu year, which lunar month each falls in, and what each one is known for, from Kamada to Papmochani.
Rahu Kaal, Yamaganda and Gulika Kaal: Meaning and How They Are Calculated
What Rahu Kaal is, why it changes every day and in every city, how to calculate it from sunrise and sunset, and what to do and avoid during it.
Purnima Vrat: Significance, Satyanarayan Puja and the 12 Purnimas of the Year
Why the full moon matters in Hindu tradition, how to keep the Purnima fast and Satyanarayan puja, and the festival attached to each month's Purnima.
Amavasya: Significance, Pitru Tarpan and What to Do on the New Moon
Why Amavasya is the day of the ancestors, how to offer tarpan, special Amavasyas like Mauni, Somvati and Mahalaya, and what tradition says to avoid.
Amanta vs Purnimanta: Why Hindu Month Names Differ in North and South India
Is it Kartika or Ashwin? Understand the two Hindu lunar month systems, why festivals keep the same date in both, and how Adhika Maas works.
Udaya Tithi: Which Tithi Counts for Festivals and Vrats?
Most observances follow the tithi at sunrise, but Pradosh, Sankashti, Shivaratri, Ganesh Chaturthi and Janmashtami follow other moments. Here are the rules.
Pradosh Vrat: Vidhi, Timing and the Seven Types by Weekday
How to observe Pradosh Vrat for Lord Shiva, why it is timed to sunset, the meaning of Soma, Bhauma and Shani Pradosh, and how the date is decided.
Sankashti Chaturthi: Moonrise Timing, Vrat Vidhi and Angaraki Chaturthi
Everything about the monthly Sankashti Chaturthi fast for Lord Ganesha: why it depends on moonrise, how to do the puja, and what makes Angaraki Chaturthi special.
Ekadashi Vrat Rules: What to Eat, Parana Time and Smarta vs Vaishnava Dates
A practical guide to the Ekadashi fast: types of fast, foods allowed and avoided, how to break the fast (Parana) and why two Ekadashi dates are sometimes listed.
Why Are There Two Tithis in One Day? Kshaya and Vriddhi Tithi Explained
Seen two tithis listed for the same date, or a tithi that seems to be missing? Here is why it happens, and how to decide which tithi to follow for your vrat.
What Is a Tithi? How the Hindu Lunar Day Is Calculated
A tithi is the time the Moon takes to gain 12° on the Sun. Learn how tithis are calculated, why they vary in length, and how they shape every Hindu festival.