The sacred calendar
Tithis
The lunar days that shape worship — what each one means, and the poojas best performed on it. Today is Chaturdasi (சுக்ல பக்ஷம் · Shukla (Waxing)).
Open the daily panchangPradosham
Trayodashi twilight
The twilight hour of the 13th lunar day, sacred to Lord Shiva.
Recommended poojas
Do
- Abhishekam to Shiva
- Lighting lamps at dusk
- Pradosha vratham
Avoid
- Starting major new ventures
- Heavy feasting
Amavasya
New moon
The no-moon day, dedicated to the remembrance of ancestors.
Recommended poojas
Do
- Tarpanam for ancestors
- Charity and feeding the needy
- Quiet reflection
Avoid
- Auspicious beginnings (marriage, housewarming)
- Travel for new ventures
Pournami
Full moon
The full-moon day of peak lunar energy, sacred to the Devi and Lakshmi.
Recommended poojas
Do
- Devi / Lakshmi worship
- Satyanarayana vratham
- Donation
Avoid
- Conflict and anger
- Over-indulgence
Ekadasi
11th lunar day
The 11th lunar day, a fasting day dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
Recommended poojas
Do
- Fasting and japa
- Vishnu worship
- Reading scripture
Avoid
- Eating rice and grains
- Heavy, tamasic food
Sashti
6th lunar day
The 6th lunar day, sacred to Lord Murugan.
Recommended poojas
Do
- Murugan vratham
- Kavadi and abhishekam
- Reciting Kanda Sashti Kavasam
Avoid
- Non-vegetarian food during the vratham
- Neglecting the fast
Sankatahara Chaturthi
4th lunar day
The 4th lunar day, sacred to Lord Ganesha and the remover of obstacles.
Recommended poojas
Do
- Ganesha worship
- Beginning new ventures
- Moonrise vratham
Avoid
- Viewing the moon on Vinayaka Chaturthi
- Procrastination
Ashtami & Navami
8th & 9th lunar days
The 8th and 9th lunar days, sacred to the Goddess (Shakti / Durga).
Recommended poojas
Do
- Devi worship
- Chandi / Durga homam
- Kanya pooja
Avoid
- Anger and impurity
- Neglecting the Devi during Navaratri
Naga Panchami / Ayilyam
Serpent worship days
Days dedicated to the worship of the serpent powers (nagas).
Recommended poojas
Do
- Milk abhishekam to naga shrines
- Naga / Sarpa Dosha remedies
- Worship at anthills
Avoid
- Harming serpents
- Digging the earth needlessly