The Panchang serves as a quiet compass for your day, drawn from the Moon's movement and the ancient wisdom of the Hindu calendar, which seamlessly fits into modern life. It empowers you to plan with precision, not out of fear, but in harmony with natural rhythms, much like planting when the soil is ready and resting when the heat is intense. By following the Panchang, you stay connected to your cultural roots while making mindful choices about work, travel, spending, and prayer. Some days urge action, others call for restraint. Today offers both. Below are the essential Panchang details for May 22, 2026, for India.
Date and Day Details
May 22, 2026, falls on a Friday, a day naturally linked to Venus (Shukra) and matters of comfort, relationships, beauty, and money. The Tithi running today is Shukla Paksha Shashthi (the sixth day of the bright fortnight), which ends at 06:24:43 on May 22, after which Shukla Paksha Saptami (the seventh day) begins. Shashthi in the bright half carries a steady, building energy, like a sapling that has taken root and now needs timely water and sunlight. It supports organizing routines, strengthening bonds, and taking disciplined steps in learning or skill development. This is not a lazy Tithi; it rewards regular effort. If you have been postponing a health habit or a study schedule, Shashthi gently nudges you to begin and persist.
The Nakshatra is Ashlesha, lasting until 02:08:03 on May 23, after which Magha arrives. Ashlesha is linked with the serpentine power of the Nagas and has a reputation for being intense, perceptive, and somewhat secretive. In daily life, this means you will spot what others miss. You may read between the lines in a meeting or sense the real mood at home even when people say, "Nothing's wrong." It is excellent for research, audits, catching errors in paperwork, and quiet healing practices. It is also a Nakshatra where emotional knots can tighten if you keep everything inside. Do not hold poison in your throat. Speak with care, but speak.
The Moon stays in Cancer at 18.1 degrees today, and Cancer is the Moon's own sign. Emotions run stronger and more sincere. Food, family, memories, and belonging feel more prominent than usual. It is a good day to cook at home, check on elders, tidy your personal space, and handle domestic tasks you have been avoiding. The Moon sign shifts into Leo at 02:08:03 on May 23, matching the Ashlesha to Magha change. Late night and early hours carry a shift from private feelings to proud, visible action. If you are awake around then, you may suddenly feel clear about what you want to claim and lead.
Yoga and Karana
The Yoga today is Vriddhi, ending at 08:18:59, after which Dhruva begins. Vriddhi means growth and supports expansion, learning, and improving something already started. Dhruva brings steadiness, which is good for setting long-term plans and commitments. The Karanas move from Taitila (until 06:24:43) to Gara (until 17:39:19), and then Vanij begins. Taitila and Gara suit practical work, handling responsibilities, and getting things moving without drama. Vanij brings a trade and transaction flavor, good for business discussions, but only if you choose your timing wisely today.
Auspicious Timings (Shubh Muhurat)
Today offers several Shubh windows, which you can treat like clear patches of sky between clouds. The first is Brahma Muhurta from 03:45:53 to 04:27:53. This is the calm before the world wakes up, when the mind is quiet and the ego is soft. If you want to meditate, chant, study a sacred text, or simply plan your day on paper, this is your best friend. Even ten minutes of sincere practice here can change your mood for the whole day.
Pratah Sandhya runs from 04:06:53 to 05:09:53, supporting morning prayers, Surya arghya, and a gentle start. Right after that comes Siddha Yoga from 05:09:53 to 06:24:37. "Siddha" carries the idea of accomplishment. Use it for starting a meaningful task, submitting an application, opening a new notebook for studies, or beginning a disciplined habit. Keep it simple; one clear start is enough.
Abhijit Muhurta appears from 11:27:25 to 12:21:21. This is a classic midday blessing, good for decisions, meetings, and work that needs support from authority. If you need to ask your boss for clarity, present your idea, or handle a stuck issue, pick this window; your words land better.
Vijay Muhurta is from 14:09:13 to 15:03:09, a strong slot for victory in healthy competition. It is good for interviews, negotiations, exams, sports practice, and even taking a difficult phone call you have been avoiding.
Evening brings Godhuli Muhurta from 18:39:17 to 19:00:17, and Sayahana Sandhya from 18:39:17 to 19:42:17. These are gentle, devotional, home-friendly times. Light a lamp, sit with family, and soften the day's sharp edges.
At night, Nishita Muhurta runs from 23:33:17 to 00:15:17 on May 23, and Amrit Kalam from 00:34:29 to 02:07:37. Nishita is deep night, good for intense mantra japa. Amrit Kalam feels like nectar time, supportive for healing prayers and heartfelt intentions.
From the Choghadiya context, the day's auspicious periods include Laabh at 06:51, Amrit at 08:32, and Shubh at 11:54. Night also has Laabh at 21:16, Shubh at 23:54, and Amrit at 25:13. Use these for practical wins, purchases that are truly needed, and calm family conversations.
Inauspicious Timings
Rahu Kaal today is from 10:13 to 11:54. Rahu Kaal is a daily stretch where Rahu's smoky, confusing influence is considered high. Things started here can feel delayed, misunderstood, or require unnecessary corrections later. Keep your wallet closed during this window, and do not sign contracts or commit to a new partnership. Avoid starting a new job task that needs approvals. If you must work, do routine tasks, clear emails, arrange files, or conduct background research. Rahu Kaal is also a good time for inner work: sit quietly, do breath work, or chant the Rahu mantra "Om Raam Rahave Namaha" with steady attention.
Other inauspicious timings include Gulika Kaal from 06:51:03 to 08:32:14. Gulika often brings small obstacles, missed signals, and irritation. If possible, do not begin an important commute or launch a sensitive conversation during this period. If you have to travel, double-check keys, documents, and phone battery.
Yamaganda is from 15:16:56 to 16:58:06. Yamaganda is not for fresh beginnings; it can bring pressure, last-minute complications, or mood swings, especially with the Moon in Cancer. Keep expectations realistic during this slot, do not pick a fight, and do not promise what you cannot deliver.
Varjyam is from 15:15:37 to 16:43:43, overlapping with the Yamaganda zone. Varjyam is like a temporary "no entry" sign in the sky. Avoid auspicious starts and emotional decisions. Wait it out; the mind clears afterwards.
Dur Muhurtam appears twice: from 07:51:41 to 08:45:41 and from 12:21:21 to 13:15:21. Dur Muhurtam can bring missteps, so keep meetings brief and factual during these times. Do not gossip or rush.
Baana - Chora runs from 05:09:53 to 12:43:53, a period traditionally linked with loss through carelessness. Watch your belongings, avoid careless spending, and do not leave tasks half done.
Longer stretches include Kakracha Yoga from 06:25:53 on May 22 to 05:04:53 on May 23, Mrityu Yoga for the same period, and Aadal Yoga from 05:09:53 on May 22 to 02:07:37 on May 23. These labels suggest the day may test patience and clarity if you act impulsively. It does not mean you stop living; it means you move with care, like walking on a wet floor.
Choghadiya inauspicious periods include Kaal at 10:13, Rog at 13:35, and Udveg at 15:16 in the daytime, and Rog at 18:38, Kaal at 19:57, Udveg at 22:35, and Rog at 27:50 at night. If possible, schedule important starts away from these times. If not, keep your actions simple and your tone polite.
Rahu Kaal Timings Across India
Rahu Kaal varies by geographic location across India because it is calculated from local sunrise, which differs due to longitude variations. The table below shows Rahu Kaal for major Indian cities, allowing you to pick the correct window without confusion.
- Mumbai: 10:56 - 12:35
- Delhi (NCR): 10:34 - 12:17
- Bengaluru: 10:40 - 12:15
- Hyderabad: 10:34 - 12:12
- Chennai: 10:29 - 12:05
- Ahmedabad: 10:55 - 12:35
- Pune: 10:52 - 12:30
- Kolkata: 09:53 - 11:32
- Jaipur: 10:41 - 12:23
- Kochi: 10:46 - 12:21
- Lucknow: 10:20 - 12:02
- Indore: 10:43 - 12:23
- Guwahati: 09:38 - 11:19
- Chandigarh: 10:35 - 12:18
- Surat: 10:55 - 12:35
- Visakhapatnam: 10:15 - 11:53
- Nagpur: 10:30 - 12:09
- Coimbatore: 10:43 - 12:18
- Varanasi: 10:13 - 11:54
- Bhubaneswar: 10:04 - 11:43
Sunrise, Sunset, Moonrise, and Moonset
Sunrise today is at 05:10:04, and sunset is at 18:38:44. Sunrise is more than a clock tick in Panchang; it is the day's first breath, the moment to align yourself with Surya's steady discipline. Even if you cannot do a long prayer, wash your face, offer a simple namaskar, and set one intention for the day. It works like tightening a loose screw.
Sunset at 18:38:44 marks the mind's turning point, when the outer world slows and the inner world speaks up. With the Moon in Cancer, evenings can feel tender. Use that softness well; reduce screen time if possible and eat lighter.
Moonrise is at 10:34:14 AM, and moonset is at 12:10:57 AM on May 23. A late morning moonrise can make the first half of the day feel practical and duty-driven, with emotions swelling as the day progresses. If you notice your mood changing after moonrise, do not judge it; observe it. The Moon in its own sign can bring strong intuition but also clinginess. Let feelings come and go like waves; you do not have to drown in them.
Vrat/Festival Information and Recommendations
No major Vrat or festival is observed today. The Hindu month running in the Amanta calendar is Adhik Jyeshtha, which adds an extra quality to the day. Many people feel a push to catch up, correct past delays, and do a little more than usual. That is fine, but do not burn yourself out trying to finish everything in one day.
With Shukla Paksha Shashthi and Ashlesha, your day works best when you combine discipline with discretion. At home, avoid emotional blackmail, from your side or anyone else's. If a family topic is sensitive, speak gently and keep the discussion to what can be solved today. Cooking, cleaning, fixing a small household issue, or arranging cupboards can bring surprising peace. Cancer Moon likes order that feels personal.
At work, choose tasks that need focus and detection. Ashlesha helps you catch the fine print. Revisit a document before sending it, check numbers twice, and keep your meeting notes neat. People may try to distract you with half information; do not bite. Ask one direct question and wait for a clear answer. If you must schedule something important, lean on Abhijit Muhurta from 11:27:25 to 12:21:21 or Vijay Muhurta from 14:09:13 to 15:03:09. Keep big launches away from Rahu Kaal (10:13 to 11:54).
Relationships need softness today. Friday pulls you towards comfort, but Ashlesha can make you suspicious or too protective. Do not check someone's phone or test people. If you need reassurance, ask for it like an adult. A short walk together, a shared cup of tea, or a quiet dinner can reset the mood better than long debates.
For spiritual practice, the day responds well to morning discipline and evening devotion. If you can wake a bit earlier, use Brahma Muhurta from 03:45:53 to 04:27:53 for japa, prayer, or simply sitting silently. In the evening, Godhuli Muhurta from 18:39:17 to 19:00:17 is ideal for lighting a lamp and offering gratitude for what did go right. If the mind feels restless at night, Amrit Kalam from 00:34:29 to 02:07:37 supports healing intentions and calm.
The closing thought for today is simple. A Cancer Moon asks you to protect what matters. Ashlesha asks you to do it wisely, without drama. Drink enough water, speak less but speak truth, avoid starting risky ventures in Rahu Kaal, and end the day by cleaning one small corner of your home and doing five minutes of mantra or prayer. Then sleep on time. That is your actionable remedy.
