What is Tithi?

Tithi (తిథి / திதி) is the lunar day in the Hindu calendar. It is defined as the time taken for the longitudinal angle between the Moon and Sun to increase by 12°. There are 30 tithis in a lunar month — 15 in the waxing moon fortnight (Shukla Paksha) and 15 in the waning moon fortnight (Krishna Paksha).

🌙 Unlike a solar day (fixed 24 hours), a Tithi can last anywhere from 19 to 26 hours depending on the moon's speed. A tithi can start on one solar day and end on the next.

The 30 Tithis

Shukla Paksha (Waxing Moon — 1 to 15): Pratipada, Dwitiya, Tritiya, Chaturthi, Panchami, Shashthi, Saptami, Ashtami, Navami, Dashami, Ekadashi, Dwadashi, Trayodashi, Chaturdashi, Purnima (Full Moon)

Krishna Paksha (Waning Moon — 1 to 15): Same names, ending with Amavasya (New Moon)

Auspicious and Inauspicious Tithis

Generally auspicious: Pratipada, Dwitiya, Tritiya, Panchami, Saptami, Dashami, Ekadashi, Dwadashi, Trayodashi, Purnima

Generally avoided for new work: Chaturthi, Ashtami, Chaturdashi, Amavasya (especially for new beginnings and marriages)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tithi?

Tithi is the Hindu lunar day — the time for the moon to move 12° ahead of the sun. There are 30 tithis in a lunar month.

How is Tithi different from a solar day?

A solar day is always 24 hours. A tithi can be 19 to 26 hours long and doesn't align neatly with solar days.

Which Tithi is best for marriage?

Generally Dwitiya, Tritiya, Panchami, Saptami, Dashami, Dwadashi, and Trayodashi in Shukla Paksha are preferred. Chaturthi, Ashtami, Chaturdashi, and Amavasya are avoided.

What is Tithi?

The 30 Tithis

Auspicious and Inauspicious Tithis

Frequently Asked Questions

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