Inauspicious Period
Panchak Today
25 August 2026 · times in IST
Panchak is a recurring five-day period when the Moon transits the last five nakshatras — the latter half of Dhanishta, then Shatabhisha, Purva Bhadrapada, Uttara Bhadrapada and Revati (sidereal 300°–360°). It comes roughly once a month and is traditionally avoided for certain activities.
Status right now
What It Means
The word Panchak means 'five'. It refers both to the five nakshatras involved and to the belief that inauspicious acts done during Panchak tend to repeat five times. Its severity depends on the weekday: Sunday gives Roga Panchak (illness), Monday Raj Panchak (favourable), Tuesday Agni Panchak (fire risk), Friday Chor Panchak (theft/loss), and Saturday Mrityu Panchak (danger). Wednesday and Thursday Panchak carry no special dosha.
Guidance
During Panchak, tradition advises avoiding: cremation without specific rites, buying or gathering firewood, constructing a roof, travelling south, and building a bed or cot. Everyday work, worship, and most auspicious ceremonies (marriage, etc.) are generally not affected — Panchak mainly restricts the specific acts above.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Panchak going on today?
The status above shows whether Panchak is active right now, and if not, when the next Panchak period begins and ends. Panchak recurs about once a month and lasts roughly five days.
What is Panchak?
Panchak is a five-day period when the Moon moves through the last five nakshatras (latter half of Dhanishta to Revati, sidereal 300°–360°). It recurs monthly and is avoided for a specific set of activities.
What should be avoided during Panchak?
Traditionally avoided: performing a cremation without the prescribed shanti, gathering or buying firewood, laying a roof, journeys to the south, and making a bed or cot. Routine activities and most ceremonies are not affected.
What are the five types of Panchak?
They are named by weekday: Roga (Sunday), Raj (Monday), Agni (Tuesday), Chor (Friday) and Mrityu (Saturday). Raj Panchak is considered favourable; Wednesday and Thursday Panchak have no special dosha.
Is marriage allowed during Panchak?
Panchak specifically restricts only the five acts listed above. Marriage and most auspicious ceremonies follow their own muhurat rules and are generally not blocked by Panchak alone, though many families still consult a panditji.