Panchang for Puṇe
Thursday, 21 May 2026 • गुरुवार
Today's Cosmic Insight
AuspiciousAs the sun graces the horizon on this Thursday, May 21st, 2026, we are gifted with a day woven from auspicious threads. The waxing Moon shines brightly in Shukla Shashthi, the sixth lunar day of the bright fortnight, a time traditionally associated with growth and expansion. This energy is further amplified by the nurturing embrace of Pushya Nakshatra, a constellation known for its benevolent and auspicious qualities. The Moon, traveling through its second Pada in Pushya, encourages us to cultivate inner peace and extend our compassion to all beings. Vriddhi Yoga, a union of the Sun and Moon, blesses us with the potential for increase and prosperity in our endeavors. This is a day where efforts are likely to bear fruit, and where small seeds of intention can blossom into abundance. However, the active Karana for the first part of the day is Kaulava, which signifies activity and diligence. It is a reminder that even amidst auspiciousness, conscious effort and dedication are required to harness the full potential of the day. So, let us embrace the opportunities presented, but with mindful action. Thursday, ruled by the wise and benevolent Jupiter, adds another layer of grace to this celestial tapestry. It is a day to connect with knowledge, seek guidance, and express gratitude for the blessings in our lives. The combined energies of Pushya, Vriddhi, and the influence of Jupiter create an atmosphere ripe for learning, teaching, and acts of generosity. Let us use this day to foster growth, both within ourselves and in the world around us, and to seek wisdom in all our actions. May your day be filled with auspiciousness and the gentle unfolding of prosperity.
Panchang Elements
Auspicious Times
Inauspicious Times
Current Time Period
Panchang for Puṇe on Thursday, 21 May 2026 shows Shukla Shashthi tithi (Shukla Paksha) with Pushya nakshatra in Pada 2. The yoga for this day is Vriddhi and the karana is Kaulava. Sunrise occurs at 05:59 AM and sunset at 07:03 PM.
What is Panchang? पंचांग
The word Panchang comes from Sanskrit — Pancha (five) + Anga (limbs). It is the traditional Vedic calendar system that has been used across the Indian subcontinent for thousands of years to track lunar days, stellar positions, and cosmic rhythms. Every day in the Hindu calendar is defined by these five elements working together.
Tithi तिथि
The lunar day — determined by the angular distance between the Sun and Moon. There are 30 tithis in a lunar month, 15 in each paksha (Shukla and Krishna). Each tithi carries its own energy: some are ideal for beginnings, others for completion or rest. Festivals like Ekadashi, Amavasya, and Purnima are all tithi-based.
Nakshatra नक्षत्र
The lunar mansion — the Moon's position among 27 star clusters along the ecliptic. Each nakshatra spans 13°20' of the zodiac and has a ruling deity, planet, and distinct character. Nakshatras are central to muhurat selection, birth chart interpretation, and compatibility matching in Vedic astrology.
Yoga योग
The luni-solar combination — calculated from the sum of the Sun's and Moon's longitudes divided into 27 equal parts. Each yoga has a name and nature (auspicious, neutral, or inauspicious). Yogas like Siddha, Amrita, and Shubha are considered favorable, while Vyaghata and Vajra call for caution.
Karana करण
Half of a tithi — each tithi has two karanas, giving 60 karanas in a lunar month. Of the 11 karana types, 4 are fixed (Shakuni, Chatushpada, Naga, Kimstughna) and 7 are movable. Karanas help fine-tune the auspiciousness of a tithi for specific activities.
Vara वार
The weekday — each vara is ruled by a planet: Ravivara (Sun), Somavara (Moon), Mangalavara (Mars), Budhavara (Mercury), Guruvara (Jupiter), Shukravara (Venus), Shanivara (Saturn). The ruling planet influences the character of the day and which activities are most favored.
Why Check the Panchang Daily?
For centuries, families, priests, and astrologers across India have consulted the Panchang before making any significant decision. It isn't superstition — it's a systematic method of aligning human activity with natural cycles.
Muhurat Selection
Find the most auspicious time for weddings, griha pravesh, mundan, namkaran, and other samskaras. The right muhurat combines a favorable tithi, nakshatra, yoga, and karana while avoiding Rahu Kaal.
Business & Finance
Start a new business, sign contracts, make investments, or open accounts during auspicious tithis and nakshatras. Many Indian businesses still consult the Panchang before major financial decisions.
Festival & Vrat Dates
Hindu festivals follow the lunar calendar — Diwali, Navratri, Karva Chauth, Ekadashi, and Pradosh Vrat dates all come from the Panchang. Accurate tithi calculations ensure you observe these on the correct day.
Daily Puja & Rituals
Know the ruling deity of the day, the appropriate mantras for the current nakshatra, and whether the tithi supports your planned worship. Brahma Muhurat and Abhijit Muhurat are the day's most sacred windows.
Travel & Journeys
Vedic tradition recommends checking the Panchang before long journeys. Certain nakshatras (like Ashwini, Mrigashira, Pushya, Revati) are considered ideal for travel, while Rahu Kaal should be avoided for departures.
Education & Learning
Vidyarambha (beginning of education) and joining a new course or school are traditionally timed using the Panchang. Nakshatras ruled by Mercury and Jupiter are especially valued for intellectual pursuits.
Panchang for Puṇe
This Panchang is calculated specifically for Puṇe using precise geographic coordinates (18.51°N, 73.81°E). Sunrise in Puṇe on this day is at 05:59 AM and sunset at 07:03 PM — all time-dependent elements including tithi end times, Rahu Kaal, Yamaghanda, Gulika Kaal, Abhijit Muhurat, and Brahma Muhurat are derived from these local sun timings.
Because the Panchang is location-sensitive, the same date can show different tithi or nakshatra transition times in different cities. A tithi that ends at 3:42 PM in Puṇe may end at a different time in another city due to the difference in sunrise. This is why it's important to use a Panchang calculated for your specific city rather than a generic national Panchang.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is today's tithi in Puṇe?
The tithi on Thursday, 21 May 2026 in Puṇe is Shukla Shashthi (Shukla Paksha). Tithi determines the nature of the lunar day and is used for festival observance, muhurat timing, and daily planning.
What is today's nakshatra in Puṇe?
The nakshatra in Puṇe on 21 May 2026 is Pushya (Pada 2). Nakshatras are the 27 lunar mansions used in Vedic astrology for muhurat selection, birth chart analysis, and daily planning.
What time is Rahu Kaal on 21 May 2026 in Puṇe?
Rahu Kaal in Puṇe on 21 May 2026 is from 14:09 to 15:47. Rahu Kaal is a daily inauspicious period lasting approximately 90 minutes, calculated from the local sunrise time. It is considered unfavorable for starting new ventures, signing contracts, or beginning journeys. The timing shifts each day of the week based on a fixed planetary order.
Is 21 May 2026 auspicious for starting new work?
The auspiciousness of any day depends on the combination of all five Panchang elements. On 21 May 2026 in Puṇe, the tithi is Shukla Shashthi, the nakshatra is Pushya, and the yoga is Vriddhi. For the best results, plan important activities during Abhijit Muhurat (12:05 – 12:57) and avoid Rahu Kaal (14:09 – 15:47). For a detailed muhurat analysis, use our Muhurat Finder.
How is Panchang different for each city?
The Panchang changes from city to city because all time-based calculations depend on the local sunrise and sunset. Sunrise in a western city like Mumbai occurs later than in an eastern city like Kolkata — this shifts the timing of Rahu Kaal, Yamaghanda, Gulika Kaal, Brahma Muhurat, Abhijit Muhurat, Choghadiya, and Hora. Even tithi and nakshatra transition times can fall on different sides of midnight, making a tithi "today" in one city but "tomorrow" in another. Always use a Panchang calculated for your specific location.
What is Abhijit Muhurat and when is it ?
Abhijit Muhurat is a universally auspicious period of approximately 48 minutes occurring around midday. It is considered favorable for almost all activities — starting new work, signing documents, travel, and religious ceremonies. In Puṇe on 21 May 2026, Abhijit Muhurat falls between 12:05 and 12:57. The word "Abhijit" means "victorious" — it is named after the auspicious nakshatra that rules this time window.