Understanding Tithi
A Tithi is not a calendar day — it is a relationship. Specifically, it is the angular gap between the Sun and Moon measured in increments of 12°. When the Moon moves 12° ahead of the Sun, one Tithi elapses.
Why Tithis Matter
The Sun and Moon together govern all life on Earth. Their angular separation determines tidal forces, plant growth cycles, and according to Vedic tradition, the quality of human activity. A Tithi can begin mid-day and end the next morning — it follows the Moon, not the clock.
The Two Pakshas
Shukla Paksha (Waxing Moon) — Pratipad to Purnima (1st to 15th)
Energy builds. Ideal for starting new things, increasing wealth, learning, relationships.
Krishna Paksha (Waning Moon) — Pratipad to Amavasya (1st to 15th of dark fortnight)
Energy recedes. Suitable for completion, dissolution, spiritual practices, ancestral work.
The 30 Tithis in Detail
Shukla Paksha (Waxing)
| Tithi | Name | Deity | Nature | Best Activities |
|-------|------|-------|--------|-----------------|
| 1 | Pratipad | Agni | Mixed | Starting ventures, new work |
| 2 | Dwitiya | Brahma | Auspicious | Travel, education, new projects |
| 3 | Tritiya | Gauri | Auspicious | Haircuts, beauty, auspicious work |
| 4 | Chaturthi | Ganesha | Mixed | Removing obstacles; avoid auspicious events |
| 5 | Panchami | Naga | Auspicious | Medicine, learning, arts |
| 6 | Shashthi | Karttikeya | Auspicious | Victory, competitive activities |
| 7 | Saptami | Surya | Auspicious | Vehicles, horses, travel |
| 8 | Ashtami | Rudra | Mixed | Moderate — avoid important decisions |
| 9 | Navami | Durgā | Inauspicious | Avoid auspicious events |
| 10 | Dashami | Dharmaraja | Auspicious | Excellent for most activities |
| 11 | Ekadashi | Vishnu | Highly Auspicious | Fasting, spiritual practice, charity |
| 12 | Dwadashi | Vishnu | Auspicious | Donation, feeding the poor, spiritual work |
| 13 | Trayodashi | Kama | Auspicious | Arts, romance, auspicious work |
| 14 | Chaturdashi | Shiva | Mixed | Avoid major decisions; Shiva worship |
| 15 | Purnima | Chandra | Highly Auspicious | Spiritual work, festivals, full moon rituals |
Krishna Paksha (Waning)
Mirrors Shukla Paksha but with declining energy. The 15th is Amavasya (new moon) — deeply sacred for ancestral rites (Pitru Tarpan). Generally avoid starting new ventures during Krishna Paksha; prefer completion and letting go.
Special Tithis
Ekadashi (11th)
The most observed Tithi in Vaishnavism. Fasting on both Ekadashis each month is believed to purify the body and accumulate spiritual merit. The 24 named Ekadashis each carry specific blessings.
Amavasya (New Moon)
Sacred for Pitru (ancestral) rites. Perform Tarpan (water offerings) for departed ancestors. Avoid new beginnings; ideal for reflection and closure.
Purnima (Full Moon)
Most powerful day of the month spiritually. Many festivals fall on Purnima — Holi, Guru Purnima, Sharad Purnima. The mind is most active; meditation and spiritual practices are amplified.
Rikta Tithis
Tithis 4, 9, and 14 (Chaturthi, Navami, Chaturdashi) are called Rikta (empty) — considered inauspicious for starting new activities. Traditional almanacs flag these for avoidance.
Tithi and Muhurta
For selecting an auspicious time (Muhurta), the Tithi is the first and most important factor. A good Tithi with a bad Nakshatra can still work; a bad Tithi is hard to overcome even with everything else favorable.
Practical Guide
Check today's Tithi in the [Panchang tool](/panchang).