Understanding Tithi And Lunar Phases
In the Hindu Panchang, a tithi is determined by the angular separation between the Moon and Sun. Each tithi represents an additional 12 degrees of separation, giving 30 tithis in a complete synodic lunar cycle.
The lunar month is divided into Shukla Paksha, the waxing half, and Krishna Paksha, the waning half. Particular tithis may be preferred or avoided for certain ceremonies according to the tradition being followed.
A tithi does not necessarily begin at midnight or last exactly 24 hours. Its boundaries depend on the changing apparent positions of the Sun and Moon, making accurate astronomical calculations important.
For Auspicious Dates 2026, a Gregorian date alone cannot establish which tithi applies at the relevant ceremony time. The correct local Panchang and event time are necessary.