Understanding Shukla Paksha & Krishna Paksha in the Hindu Calendar
In the Hindu Calendar, every lunar month is divided into two equal halves known as Shukla Paksha and Krishna Paksha. These two phases of the Moon form the backbone of the Hindu Panchang and are essential for determining festivals, vrats (fasting days), muhurta, astrology, and the daily spiritual rhythm followed across India. Understanding how these lunar phases work helps you make sense of tithis and accurately interpret both the Hindu Calendar and the Vikram Samvat Calendar.
What Are Pakshas in the Hindu Calendar?
A Paksha is a lunar fortnight. Each Hindu lunar month contains 30 tithis, divided into:
- 15 tithis of Shukla Paksha (waxing Moon)
- 15 tithis of Krishna Paksha (waning Moon)
Together, these two pakshas complete one lunar cycle of about 29.5 days. This luni-solar approach is the foundation of Hindu timekeeping and determines festivals and rituals across India.
What Is Shukla Paksha?
Shukla Paksha is the bright half of the lunar month, beginning the day after Amavasya and ending on Purnima. As the Moon increases in brightness, this phase symbolizes growth, prosperity, positivity, and auspicious beginnings. Many ceremonies and pujas are traditionally recommended during this period.
Tithis of Shukla Paksha
Pratipada, Dwitiya, Tritiya, Chaturthi, Panchami, Shashthi, Saptami, Ashtami, Navami, Dashami, Ekadashi, Dwadashi, Trayodashi, Chaturdashi, Purnima.
Important Festivals in Shukla Paksha
- Gudi Padwa / Ugadi (Chaitra Shukla Pratipada)
- Ram Navami
- Buddha Purnima
- Raksha Bandhan
- Kartik Purnima
- Guru Purnima (Ashadha Purnima)
- Holika Dahan (Phalguna Purnima)
The Vikram Samvat New Year also begins on Chaitra Shukla Pratipada.
What Is Krishna Paksha?
Krishna Paksha is the dark half of the lunar month, beginning after Purnima and ending on Amavasya. As the Moon wanes, this phase symbolizes introspection, discipline, fasting, and spiritual cleansing.
Tithis of Krishna Paksha
Pratipada, Dwitiya, Tritiya, Chaturthi, Panchami, Shashthi, Saptami, Ashtami, Navami, Dashami, Ekadashi, Dwadashi, Trayodashi, Chaturdashi, Amavasya.
Important Festivals in Krishna Paksha
- Krishna Janmashtami (Bhadrapada Krishna Ashtami)
- Karwa Chauth
- Mahashivratri (Phalguna Krishna Chaturdashi)
- Diwali (Kartik Amavasya)
Why Shukla Paksha and Krishna Paksha Exist
The Hindu Calendar is a luni-solar system dependent on both the Moon’s phases and the Sun’s movement. Dividing the lunar cycle into two pakshas helps determine:
- Festival dates
- Muhurta (auspicious moments)
- Vrat and fasting rituals
- Astrological interpretations
- Panchang calculations
- Seasonal alignment for rituals and agriculture
How Pakshas Influence Festivals & Rituals
Hindu festivals are defined by a combination of Paksha + Tithi, not fixed dates. This is why festival dates shift each year.
- Diwali — Kartik Krishna Amavasya
- Navratri — Ashwin Shukla Pratipada
- Janmashtami — Bhadrapada Krishna Ashtami
- Guru Purnima — Ashadha Shukla Purnima
- Holi — Phalguna Shukla Purnima
Pakshas in the Vikram Samvat Calendar
The Vikram Samvat Calendar uses the exact same paksha system — the only difference is its year count, which is 56–57 years ahead of the Gregorian year.
Why Pakshas Matter Today
Pakshas continue to guide families, priests, and astrologers in planning vrats, pujas, auspicious timings, Panchang interpretation, and cultural rituals. These lunar phases still shape daily life for millions.
Final Thoughts
Shukla Paksha and Krishna Paksha form the foundation of Hindu timekeeping. They determine festivals, rituals, and auspicious timings, preserving India’s deep connection to lunar rhythms. Understanding them helps you interpret the Panchang accurately and stay aligned with traditional Hindu culture.