Panchak is a period of five days in a month in a Hindu Lunar calendar which is considered inauspicious. Panchak 2025 date and time based on Hindu Calendar and Panchang is given below. As per astrologers and Panchangs, it is the transition of Moon from Kumbha Rashi (or Aquarius Zodiac) and Meena Rashi (or Pisces Zodiac). The affected nakshatras are last two quarters of Dhanishta (Avittam), Shatabhisha (Sadayam or Chathayam), Purva Bhadrapada (Pooruruttathi), Uttara Bhadrapada (Uthrattathi) and Revati.
Panchak January 2025
From 12:13 PM on January 3 to 6:07 PM on January 7, 2025
From 8:21 PM on January 30 to 2:26 AM on February 4, 2025
Panchak February 2025
From 4:18 AM on February 27 to 10:34 AM on March 3, 2025
Panchak March 2025
From 12:06 PM on March 26 to 6:37 PM on March 30, 2025
Panchak April 2025
From 7:52 PM on April 22 to 2:36 AM on April 27, 2025
Panchak May 2025
From 3:42 AM on May 20 to 10:47 AM on May 24, 2025
Panchak June 2025
From 11:37 AM on June 16 to 7:00 PM on June 20, 2025
Panchak July 2025
From 7:32 PM on July 13 to 3:13 AM on July 18, 2025
Panchak August 2025
From 3:21 AM on August 10 to 11:20 AM on August 14, 2025
Panchak September 2025
From 11:01 AM on September 6 to 7:21 PM on September 10,
2025
Panchak October 2025
From 6:37 PM on October 3 to 3:18 AM on October 8, 2025
From 2:15 AM on October 31 to 11:20 AM on November 4, 2025
Panchak November 2025
From 10:02 AM on November 27 to 7:31 PM on December 1, 2025
Panchak December 2025
From 5:55 PM on December 24 to 3:50 AM on December 29, 2025
Panchak is strictly followed by certain Hindu communities
and they do not travel during the period and do not perform any auspicious
ceremonies.
Please note that Panchak is ignored by majority of Hindu
communities in South India.
Some people believe that death or accidents taking place
during the period is inauspicious.
In Hindu astrology, Panchak is a distinct five-day period each lunar month during which specific rituals, activities, and ceremonies are considered inauspicious. This belief has its roots in astrological observations of the Moon's movement through specific nakshatras (lunar mansions) and zodiac signs, and it continues to influence cultural and religious practices among Hindus, especially in North and Western India.
Importance and Significance of Panchak
The term "Panchak" means "five," and it refers to the five-day period when the Moon transits through the Aquarius (Kumbha Rashi) and Pisces (Meena Rashi) zodiac signs, covering the final two quarters of the Dhanishta nakshatra and the entirety of Shatabhisha, Purva Bhadrapada, Uttara Bhadrapada, and Revati nakshatras. According to astrological beliefs, the alignment of the Moon with these nakshatras is thought to create an energetic field that may lead to heightened instability or negativity.
Because of this, Panchak is a time when auspicious activities such as weddings, housewarming ceremonies, and even major travels are avoided. Many consider it a period of vulnerability where certain actions can have long-lasting consequences, especially in cases related to health, accidents, or loss of life.
Activities Avoided During Panchak
During Panchak, certain actions and events are traditionally avoided due to their perceived risk of misfortune:
- Travel: Long journeys, especially to the south, are generally avoided. This stems from the belief that traveling in this direction during Panchak can bring harm or accidents.
- Building and Construction Work: Activities such as construction, especially for new houses, laying foundations, and even shifting homes are discouraged.
- Purchase of New Items: Especially high-value items like vehicles or property purchases are avoided, as it’s thought that they may bring misfortune if bought during Panchak.
- Rituals for the Deceased: If someone passes away during Panchak, specific additional rituals may be observed. This is particularly common in North India, where families conduct five effigies, symbolic burials, or additional prayers to prevent misfortune.
Modern Relevance and Observance
In modern Hindu society, the observance of Panchak varies widely depending on regional customs, family traditions, and personal beliefs. While orthodox families and communities may strictly avoid inauspicious activities during these five days, urban Hindus and younger generations may be less stringent.
For instance:
- Ceremonial Restrictions: Weddings or large celebrations are still often avoided during Panchak, especially in more conservative or traditionally-minded families.
- Business and Trade: For business transactions, some Hindus avoid signing important contracts or making significant purchases.
- Travel: The restriction on travel, particularly to the south, is largely symbolic today and is less strictly observed than other Panchak prohibitions. However, some families still prefer to delay travel plans if possible.
- Death Rituals: Restrictions around death and associated rituals are still widely observed, even among less traditional families, due to the potential risk associated with improper observance.
Popular Beliefs and Variations
The specifics of what is considered inauspicious can vary, and practices often differ by region or community:
- South India: The idea of Panchak exists but is often observed with slightly different interpretations and practices. Some South Indian communities may not observe it with the same level of restriction as North Indian communities.
- North India: In Northern states like Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab, Panchak holds a more prominent place, and traditional families may be particularly attentive to avoiding inauspicious activities during this time.
Is Panchak Widely Followed?
While Panchak remains relevant among Hindus, its strict observance is diminishing, especially in urban areas where daily life and professional demands make it difficult to avoid certain activities. However, families may still avoid scheduling major life events during Panchak if possible, especially for ceremonies like weddings or housewarmings.
Similar Periods of Caution in Hindu Calendar
Other inauspicious periods in the Hindu calendar share some similarities with Panchak, such as:
- Rahukaal: This daily period is considered inauspicious for beginning new ventures.
- Chaturmas: The four-month period during which certain religious restrictions are observed, particularly by Vaishnavas, and marriages or auspicious events are avoided.
- Pitru Paksha: A 16-day period during which people pay homage to their ancestors, but auspicious ceremonies are generally not held.
Astrological Rationale and Beliefs
The Panchak period is thought to bring inauspicious influences due to the specific energetic configurations of the Moon and its nakshatras. These beliefs are closely tied to the concept of cosmic energies in Vedic astrology, which suggests that certain planetary movements can bring negative or positive vibrations, affecting human life and activities.
Panchak is a significant observance in Hindu astrology with both historical and cultural relevance. Although its strict observance is waning, many Hindus continue to avoid auspicious ceremonies and major actions during these days, respecting age-old traditions and their potential impact.