- Chirag Daruwalla
- GaneshaGrace
Hey friend, I was sipping my filter coffee early this morning and thought – why not walk you through today’s panchang the way I usually do for myself? It’s like having a little calendar buddy that tells you the best moments for work, for worship, or even for that quick grocery run. So, let’s sit together, maybe on the terrace, and chat about what the stars and the sun have lined up for us on this day.
What the Hindu Calendar Says – Core Details
First up, the big headline: today’s tithi is Krishna Ashtami. That means we’re on the eighth day of the waning moon, the Krishna Paksha. It falls under the Uttara Shadha nakshatra – you know, the one that’s ruled by Rahu and tends to bring a mix of discipline and inner strength. The Kaulav Karana is running, and the Shiv Yoga will stay in force until 06:31:03 PM. All of these together give the day a spiritual vibe, almost like a gentle push to stay focused and calm.
It’s also a Friday, and we’re in the Vasant season – the time when the breeze starts feeling a little lighter and the mangoes are just about to ripen. The Moon is cruising through Sagittarius right now, which usually encourages us to think big, stay optimistic, and maybe have a philosophical chat over chai.
All of this is not just for astrology geeks; I find that knowing these bits helps me decide when to start the day’s big tasks. For instance, the Shiv Yoga lasting till early evening makes me feel it’s a good window for any activity that requires concentration – like finishing that report for work or even practising a bit of Surya Namaskar after lunch.
Sunrise, Sunset and Moon Movements – Timing Your Daily Routine
- Sun Rise: 06:23:53 AM
- Sun Set: 06:58:26 PM
- Moon Rise: 01:27:49 AM
- Moon Set: 12:13:04 PM
- Moon Sign: Sagittarius
- Ritu: Vasant
These numbers matter a lot when you’re juggling school runs, office meetings and a quick stop at the local kirana store. For me, the sunrise at 06:23:53 AM is the cue to roll out the yoga mat and do a short meditation before the house gets noisy. By the time the sun dips at 06:58:26 PM, I usually finish cooking dinner – a simple dal‑rice combo – and sit down for the evening pooja.
The moonrise at 01:27:49 AM is a bit late, but it’s useful for those night‑time study sessions. The moon sets around noon (12:13:04 PM), which means the afternoon light is a bit softer – perfect for reading a book or catching up on a favourite TV serial.
Hindu Calendar Years and Months – Staying Connected to Tradition
- Shaka Samvat: 1948
- Vikram Samvat: 2083
- Month Amanta: Chaitra
- Month Purnimanta: Vaishakh
Even if you’re not counting the years in the Shaka or Vikram system daily, these markers help keep us linked to our cultural timeline. This year is Shaka 1948 and Vikram 2083. In the Amanta system, where the month starts from the new moon, we’re in Chaitra. In the Purnimanta system, which begins from the full moon, it’s already Vaishakh. It feels a bit like you have two different calendars co‑existing, and that’s something my grandparents always talked about while we were kids.
When I plan festivals at home, like arranging the small decorative rangoli on the entrance door, I glance at these month names to make sure I’m following the right tradition. For example, celebrating Gudi Padwa this year, I checked that it aligns with Chaitra Amanta, and it all matched up nicely.
Inauspicious Timings – When to Hold Back
- Rahu Kaal: 11:06:50 AM to 12:41:09 PM
- Yamaganda: 03:49:48 PM to 05:24:07 PM
- Gulika Kaal: 07:58:12 AM to 09:32:31 AM
Now, the part that many people ask about – the ‘bad’ periods. According to the panchang, the Rahu Kaal runs from 11:06:50 AM to 12:41:09 PM. That’s the time I generally avoid starting any new paperwork or signing important documents. For instance, yesterday I had to send a bank request, and I deliberately waited till after the Rahu Kaal passed; it felt smoother.
Then there’s the Yamaganda window from 03:49:48 PM to 05:24:07 PM. This is often considered a period where arguments can flare up. So, if you have a family discussion about who will take the last piece of mango, better schedule it either before 3:30 PM or after 5:30 PM – trust me, the kitchen vibe stays calmer.
The early morning Gulika Kaal from 07:58:12 AM to 09:32:31 AM is another slot where I avoid making any big financial moves. I once tried to buy a new phone during that time, but I felt uneasy, so I postponed it – and later got a better deal in the evening.
Auspicious Timing – Making the Most of the Day
Shubh Muhurat
- Abhijit: 12:16:00 PM to 01:06:00 PM
The golden window today is the Abhijit Muhurat, sitting nicely between 12:16:00 PM and 01:06:00 PM. I often schedule my most important calls or the moment I send a job application during this span. The energy feels balanced – not too intense, not too lazy.
During this time yesterday, I performed a small puja for Shiv, lit incense, and offered some sweets. The feeling of calm was palpable, and even my wife noticed the house seemed more harmonious afterward.
Practical Tips – How I Use the Panchang in Daily Life
Okay, enough of the raw data – let me share how I blend all these timings into a regular day. Here’s my ‘to‑do’ list for today, loosely based on the panchang:
- 06:30 AM – 07:30 AM: Morning walk and light yoga before Gulika Kaal kicks in.
- 08:00 AM – 09:00 AM: Breakfast with family; avoid starting any new deals because it’s Gulika Kaal.
- 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Review work emails, but hold off on important sign‑offs – Rahu Kaal is just around the corner.
- 12:20 PM – 01:00 PM: Use the Abhijit Muhurat to finalize the online purchase of a new laptop. The checkout went smoothly.
- 02:00 PM – 03:30 PM: Light lunch and a quick nap; avoid big decisions while the day is still in the subtle grip of Shiva Yoga.
- 04:00 PM – 05:00 PM: Tidy up the house; try to keep conversation calm because Yamaganda is about to start.
- 06:30 PM – 07:30 PM: Cook dinner – today I made aloo gobi, a simple dish that fits the calm vibe of Krishna Ashtami.
- 08:00 PM – 09:00 PM: Evening puja and a short reading of a spiritual text, aligning with the remaining Shiv Yoga.
Following these little steps helps me feel like I’m moving with the rhythm of the day, rather than fighting against it. You don’t have to be strict; just a gentle awareness can make everyday chores feel smoother.
Final Thoughts – Why This Matters to Me
Everytime I check the panchang, I feel a connection to something larger – the same sky my grandparents looked up to, the same cycles that governed the festivals of our childhood. Knowing that today is Krishna Ashtami under Uttara Shadha gives me a chance to pause, reflect, and maybe do a bit more of what feels right.
And yes, all these details – the sunrise at 06:23:53, the Rahu Kaal starting at 11:06:50, the Abhijit Muhurat at 12:16:00 – are the exact numbers you’ll find in the official listing on News18. I’m just adding a dash of personal flavour, a bit of humor, and some everyday examples you can relate to.
So, my friend, wherever you are – be it in a tiny apartment in Mumbai, a bustling house in Delhi, or a quiet village in Tamil Nadu – take a quick glance at the panchang, plan your day around these timings, and enjoy the subtle guidance it offers. And if you ever feel unsure, remember that it’s just a tool – you still have the power to decide what to do.
(The author Chirag Daruwalla is the son of Astrologer Bejan Daruwalla).
