What Is a Tithi?
A Tithi is one of the five fundamental elements of the Hindu Panchang (almanac) — the others being Vara (weekday), Nakshatra (lunar mansion), Yoga, and Karana. A Tithi is a lunar day: the time it takes for the Moon to move 12 degrees ahead of the Sun.
Because the Moon's speed varies slightly, a Tithi can last anywhere from approximately 19 to 26 hours — meaning it does not correspond exactly to a solar day. On some days, a Tithi ends early and a new one begins; on other days, a single Tithi spans more than 24 hours. This dynamic quality of Tithis is precisely why a daily Panchang is consulted — to know which Tithi is active at any given moment.
The Thirty Tithis
The Hindu lunar month has two fortnights of 15 Tithis each:
<strong>Shukla Paksha (waxing/bright fortnight):</strong> 1. Pratipada — New beginnings, starting new ventures 2. Dvitiya — Good for marriage and auspicious ceremonies 3. Tritiya — Favourable for construction and prosperity 4. Chaturthi — Ganesh worship; somewhat mixed for new starts 5. Panchami — Good for most activities 6. Shashthi — War, competition, and aggressive tasks 7. Saptami — Favourable for travel and action 8. Ashtami — Mixed; associated with Kali 9. Navami — Complex; avoid for most new beginnings 10. Dashami — Good for learning and spiritual activities 11. Ekadashi — Fasting day; very auspicious for spiritual practice 12. Dwadashi — Favourable for gifting and Vishnu worship 13. Trayodashi — Auspicious; good for most activities 14. Chaturdashi — Shiva worship; mixed for worldly matters 15. Purnima (Full Moon) — Highly auspicious; community, family, abundance
<strong>Krishna Paksha (waning/dark fortnight):</strong> The Tithis repeat (Pratipada through Chaturdashi) ending with: 30. Amavasya (New Moon) — Ancestral rituals (Pitru Tarpana), spiritual practices; avoid new beginnings
The Four Rikta Tithis
The 4th, 9th, and 14th Tithis of each fortnight are called <strong>Rikta Tithis</strong> (empty Tithis) and are generally considered inauspicious for starting new, positive activities. The word 'Rikta' means empty or void.
<strong>Chaturthi (4th):</strong> Avoid new ventures; good for Ganesh worship and removing obstacles. <strong>Navami (9th):</strong> Complex energy — avoid marriage and major decisions. <strong>Chaturdashi (14th):</strong> Shiva-associated; good for spiritual practice, less favourable for worldly beginnings.
Amavasya (30th/new moon) is also generally avoided for new beginnings but is the most important Tithi for ancestral propitiation (Pitru Karma).
Most Auspicious Tithis for Different Activities
<strong>For marriage:</strong> 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 10th, 11th, 13th of Shukla Paksha; Purnima <strong>For beginning education:</strong> 5th, 10th, 11th, Purnima <strong>For business inauguration:</strong> 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 10th, 11th, 13th <strong>For travel:</strong> 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 12th <strong>For property purchase:</strong> 3rd, 5th, 7th, 10th, 11th <strong>For spiritual initiation (Diksha):</strong> Purnima, Ekadashi, Navami (Krishna Paksha) <strong>For ancestral rituals:</strong> Amavasya, Chaturdashi (Krishna Paksha), Navami (Krishna Paksha)
Frequently Asked Questions
How is Tithi different from a solar calendar date?
A solar date corresponds to Earth's orbit around the Sun. A Tithi corresponds to the Moon's angular separation from the Sun. They are both valid systems; the Hindu Panchang tracks both.
Can two Tithis fall on the same day?
Yes. If a Tithi is very short (due to the Moon's speed), it can begin and end within a single solar day, causing two Tithis to appear on the same date in the Panchang.
What is the significance of Ekadashi?
Ekadashi (11th Tithi of each fortnight) is considered highly auspicious in the Vaishnava tradition. Fasting on Ekadashi is believed to purify the body and mind and bestow spiritual merit.