🌙 2026 Chandra Darshan Dates And Time (2082 - 2083, Vikrama Samvata)

Chandra Darshan 2026: Date, Time And Tithi

The following table provides the Chandra Darshan dates and estimated timings for 2026 based on a Panchang reference for India. The actual moon-sighting window depends on the city, local sunset, lunar position, and visibility conditions.

📅 Date	🌙 Chandra Darshana Time	🪔 Tithi	⏳ Duration
January 20, 2026, Tuesday	05:50 PM to 07:16 PM	Pratipada	01 Hour 25 Mins
February 18, 2026, Wednesday	06:13 PM to 07:05 PM	Pratipada	00 Hours 52 Mins
March 20, 2026, Friday	06:32 PM to 07:59 PM	Pratipada	01 Hour 26 Mins
April 18, 2026, Saturday	06:49 PM to 07:56 PM	Pratipada	01 Hour 08 Mins
May 17, 2026, Sunday — Adhika Chandra Darshana	07:06 PM to 07:58 PM	Pratipada	00 Hours 52 Mins
June 16, 2026, Tuesday	07:21 PM to 08:54 PM	Pratipada	01 Hour 33 Mins
July 15, 2026, Wednesday	07:21 PM to 08:19 PM	Pratipada	00 Hours 58 Mins
August 14, 2026, Friday	07:02 PM to 08:01 PM	Pratipada	00 Hours 59 Mins
September 13, 2026, Sunday	06:29 PM to 07:31 PM	Pratipada	01 Hour 02 Mins
October 12, 2026, Monday	05:55 PM to 06:36 PM	Pratipada	00 Hours 41 Mins
November 11, 2026, Wednesday	05:29 PM to 06:38 PM	Pratipada	01 Hour 09 Mins
December 10, 2026, Thursday	05:25 PM to 06:16 PM	Pratipada	00 Hours 51 Mins

Note: The Chandra Darshana dates and timings listed above are based on New Delhi, India. Timings may vary by location and Panchang calculation methods, so check a reliable Panchang for your city before observing the occasion.

What Is Chandra Darshan?

Chandra Darshan refers to the first sighting of the waxing crescent Moon after Amavasya. It is observed during the beginning of Shukla Paksha, the lunar fortnight in which the Moon gradually becomes brighter.

The term Chandra Darshan combines two Sanskrit-derived words: Chandra, meaning Moon, and Darshan, meaning sight or viewing. Together, the phrase means the sighting or viewing of the Moon.

Unlike Purnima, which marks the full Moon, Chandra Darshan focuses on the appearance of the thin crescent in the evening sky. The sighting usually occurs shortly after sunset, when the Moon is close to the western horizon.

Devotees mark this occasion by offering prayers to Chandra Dev. Some observe a fast during the day, while others perform a simple evening puja. The specific practices depend on regional customs and family traditions.

Significance of Chandra Darshan

Chandra Darshan holds religious and symbolic importance in Hindu tradition. Its observance is associated with devotion, renewal, and the worship of Chandra Dev.

Worship of Chandra Dev

Chandra Dev is one of the Navagrahas in Hindu astrology. Devotees worship the Moon God as part of their religious practices and seek blessings for peace, wisdom, prosperity, and harmony in family life.

Symbolism of Renewal

The first crescent Moon represents the gradual return of light after the dark lunar phase. For many devotees, this sight symbolizes hope, fresh beginnings, and the opportunity to approach a new lunar month with positive intentions.

Connection With Vedic Astrology

In Vedic astrology, the Moon is associated with the mind, emotions, intuition, and inner stability. Some devotees therefore perform Chandra puja or chant lunar mantras as part of their spiritual practices. These associations belong to traditional astrological beliefs and are not scientifically established effects.

Importance of Devotion

The observance encourages prayer, reflection, and gratitude. Devotees may use the occasion to seek blessings for personal growth and family well-being, making it a meaningful part of their monthly religious routine.

Chandra Darshan Puja Vidhi

Chandra Darshan puja is generally performed in the evening after sunset. Follow these steps to perform the traditional worship at home.

1. Prepare the puja area: Clean your home altar or designated worship space before sunset. Bathe and wear clean clothes if that is part of your family tradition.

2. Arrange the puja samagri: Keep a diya, incense sticks, flowers, rice, water, and fruits or sweets ready.

3. Begin with a prayer: Sit calmly in front of your altar and offer a short prayer before starting the puja.

4. Sight the crescent Moon: Look toward the western sky after sunset. Choose an open location with a clear view of the horizon.

5. Offer Arghya: Once the Moon is visible, offer water to Chandra Dev with folded hands. You may include flowers or rice according to your customary practice.

6. Chant the mantra: Recite a Chandra Dev mantra while focusing on your prayer or intention.

7. Conclude the puja: Offer flowers, light the diya, and perform aarti if customary in your household.

8. Complete the vrat, if observed: Devotees who have fasted may break their fast according to their family tradition after completing the worship.

The procedure does not need to be elaborate. Devotees can adapt the steps to their religious customs and personal circumstances.

Chandra Darshan Mantra

Devotees may chant a traditional Chandra mantra during the puja to express their devotion to the Moon God. Two commonly recited mantras are given below.

Chandra Beej Mantra

Om Shraam Shreem Shraum Sah Chandraya Namah.

This mantra is used in some Hindu astrological and devotional traditions for the worship of Chandra Dev.

Simple Chandra Mantra

Om Chandraya Namah.

This short invocation means offering salutations to Chandra Dev. It can be recited during the evening puja or while offering Arghya.

You may chant either mantra 11, 21, or 108 times, depending on your preference and customary practice. Choose a comfortable number of repetitions and recite the mantra with concentration.

Chandra Darshan Rituals

Apart from the main puja, devotees may follow several customary practices on Chandra Darshan. These can vary by region and household.

• Vrat or fasting: Some devotees abstain from food for part or all of the day. Others choose a lighter fast based on their personal circumstances.

• Offering flowers and rice: Flowers and rice may be presented during worship as traditional offerings.

• Lighting a diya: A lamp may be lit at the home altar to mark the evening prayer.

• Charity and donation: Some people choose to donate food, clothing, or other useful items as an expression of generosity.

• Family prayers: Family members may gather for a short prayer or mantra recitation before concluding the observance.

These practices are customary rather than mandatory for every devotee. The form of observance can be chosen according to family traditions and individual beliefs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chandra Darshan

1. When is Chandra Darshan in 2026?

Chandra Darshan is observed monthly after Amavasya. The dates listed for 2026 are January 20, February 18, March 20, April 18, May 17, June 16, July 15, August 14, September 13, October 12, November 11, and December 10. Confirm the applicable date with your local Panchang.

2. What is the best time to perform Chandra Darshan puja?

The puja is generally performed in the evening after sunset, when the crescent Moon becomes visible. The precise timing varies by location, so consult a city-specific Panchang.

3. Is fasting necessary on Chandra Darshan?

No. Fasting is an optional religious practice followed by some devotees. Others observe the occasion through prayer and worship without fasting.

4. What should I offer during Chandra Darshan puja?

Common offerings include water, flowers, rice, fruits, and sweets. You may also light a diya and recite a Chandra mantra.

5. What if the Moon is not visible because of clouds?

You can still pray at the customary time. Consult your local Panchang or family priest for guidance on completing the observance when weather conditions prevent a direct sighting.

6. Can Chandra Darshan puja be performed at home?

Yes. You can perform the puja at home by preparing a clean worship space, offering prayers, reciting a mantra, and offering Arghya when the crescent Moon is visible.