Panchang

Panchang, also known as Panchangam in South India, is a Hindu astrological almanac that provides important astronomical and astrological information. It is used to determine auspicious timings, festivals, and religious events according to the Hindu calendar. The word "Panchang" is derived from Sanskrit, where "Panch" means five and "Ang" means limb, referring to the five elements of time: Tithi (lunar day), Vara (weekday), Nakshatra (star), Yoga, and Karana.

Tithi: The lunar day, which is the time taken by the Moon to increase its longitudinal distance from the Sun by 12 degrees.

Vara: The weekday, named after the seven classical planets: Sun (Sunday), Moon (Monday), Mars (Tuesday), Mercury (Wednesday), Jupiter (Thursday), Venus (Friday), and Saturn (Saturday).

Nakshatra: The stellar mansion in which the Moon resides for the day.

Yoga:A combination of the Sun and the Moon that is considered auspicious for certain activities.

Karana:Half of a Tithi, with each Tithi comprising two Karanas. There are a total of 11 Karanas.