Todays Tithi

What Is Hindu Tithi Today and Why Is It Important? 

A Tithi is defined by a 12-degree angular separation between the Sun and the Moon. As the Moon moves away from the Sun by every 12 degrees, one Tithi is completed. This continues through the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase) as the Moon moves away from the Sun, and through the Krishna Paksha (waning phase) as it moves back toward the Sun, completing 30 Tithis in a full lunar cycle.

It Forms Hindu Calendar 

In earlier times, festivals were celebrated according to tithis, or the positions of the moon in relation to the Sun. Thus, a tithi forms the basis of a Hindu calendar. For example, Diwali falls on Amavasya, Ganesh Chaturthi on Chaturthi, and Navratri starts on Pratipada. To determine Hindu festivities, knowing Tithi is important. 

It Helps in Determining Muhurat

New beginnings, such as marriage, Grah Pravesh, naming ceremony, and thread ceremony, require tithi. Some among them, such as panchami, saptami, and ekdashi, are good for a new beginning or rituals. On the other hand, tithis such as amavasya, chaturdashi, and asthami are not auspicious. 

It Tells When to Perform Ancestral Rites 

Pitru Paksha is a dedicated 15-16 day lunar period for deceased ancestors. It is performed to express deep gratitude to the one who has passed away and for the peace of their soul. However, the best time for it is from the full moon to the new moon. It is how, every year, a particular time, which is tithi, is chosen to perform these ancestral rites. 

It Tells Right Time for Observing Fast 

Certain tithis, such as ekadashi, poornima, and pradosh, are best for fasting. Observing fasts on these tithis gives the body a digestive break and further aligns mind and body. These tithis are energetically significant and invoke the blessings of Lord Vishnu. It burns the negative karma and purifies the soul for better deeds and actions. 

It Guides Fishermen, Ayurvedic Practitioners, & Farmers 

Fishermen, ayurvedic practitioners, and farmers heavily rely on tithis. Fishermen use the phases of the moon to determine the best periods for deep and shallow fishing, and when to avoid. Farmers rely on tithis, such as determining the best times for above-ground and root crops for nutrient absorption. Ayurvedic practitioners also observe the moon's movement to determine when to harvest medicinal leaves and which tithi will be best for healing and recovery. 

How to Calculate Tithi Manually? 

There are 30 tithis in a lunar month, divided into two pakshas, which are the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase) and Krishna Paksha (waning phase). Each paksha or phase lasts 15 days, and each tithi has a name. For example, Pratham, Dwitya, Thritya, etc. In Shukla Paksha, the moon grows each day and becomes full moon for 15 days. Afterwards, it wanes and enters the waning phase, when it becomes a new moon and energy calms. 

Step 1: Identify the Paksha (moon phase). If it keeps growing every day, it is in the Shukla paksha. On the contrary, if it begins to reduce, it is in the Krishna Paksha. 

Step 2: After identification of the phase, determine the tithi. 
 

Day	Shukla Paksha (Waxing Phase)	Day	Krishna Paksha (Waning Phase)
1	Shukla Pratipada	16	Krishna Pratipada
2	Shukla Dwitya	17	Krishna Dwitya
3	Shukla Tritya	18	Krishna Tritya
4	Shukla Chaturthi	19	Krishna Chaturthi
5	Shukla Panchami	20	Krishna Panchami
6	Shukla Shashthi	21	Krishna Shashthi
7	Shukla Saptami	22	Krishna Saptami
8	Shukla Asthami	23	Krishna Asthami
9	Shukla Navami	24	Krishna Navami
10	Shukla Dasami	25	Krishna Dasami
11	Shukla Ekadashi	26	Krishna Ekadashi
12	Shukla Dwadashi	27	Krishna Dwadashi
13	Shukla Trayodashi	28	Krishna Trayodashi
14	Shukla Chaturdashi	29	Krishna Chaturdashi
15	Shukla Purnima	30	Krishna Amavasya

Step 3: Find the moon and the sun's current longitude 

Step 4: Calculate the angular distance (moon’s longitude- sun’s longitude) 

Step 5: Divide the angular distance by 12 

Step 6: If the number is less than 180, the tithi is in the waxing phase or shukla paksha. If the number exceeds 180, the tithi is in the waning or krishna paksha.