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Pratipada प्रतिपदा

Pratipada is the first lunar day of each fortnight. In Shukla Paksha it marks the visible return of the crescent moon; in Krishna Paksha it begins the waning half.

Meaning: First (from Sanskrit prathama, 'the first step'). Ruling deity: Agni.

Next Pratipada dates

  • Shukla Paksha Pratipada: Mon, 9 Nov, 2026, 12:32 PM → Tue, 10 Nov, 2026, 02:00 PM
  • Krishna Paksha Pratipada: Tue, 24 Nov, 2026, 08:23 PM → Wed, 25 Nov, 2026, 04:51 PM
  • Shukla Paksha Pratipada: Wed, 9 Dec, 2026, 06:22 AM → Thu, 10 Dec, 2026, 08:46 AM
  • Krishna Paksha Pratipada: Thu, 24 Dec, 2026, 06:58 AM → Fri, 25 Dec, 2026, 03:07 AM

Times in IST. See your city for local times and the observance date.

Significance of Pratipada

Its presiding deity is Agni, the sacred fire, which makes it a natural day for beginnings and for lighting the household fire of a new undertaking.

Chaitra Shukla Pratipada begins the Hindu lunar new year (Gudi Padwa, Ugadi, Cheti Chand), and Ashwin Shukla Pratipada begins Sharad Navratri with Ghatasthapana.

Kartika Shukla Pratipada is celebrated as Govardhan Puja and Bali Pratipada, the day after Diwali.

Good for

  • Starting new work or study
  • Fire rituals (havan)
  • House-warming in Shukla Paksha
  • Setting intentions for the fortnight

Traditionally avoided

  • Krishna Pratipada is generally not chosen for major new ventures

Festivals on Pratipada

For your puja: Durga Aarti on SpiritualMarg