Chandra Darshan, the Hindu observance associated with the first sighting of the Moon after Amavasya, will be observed on Thursday, August 13, 2026. The day holds religious significance for devotees who worship Chandra Dev and seek blessings for prosperity, wisdom and well-being.

According to the Panchang timings provided for Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, the Pratipada Tithi will begin at 11:06 PM on August 12 and end at 8:42 PM on August 13.

Chandra Darshan is observed after the new moon day, when the thin crescent Moon becomes visible. Devotees traditionally look for the Moon after sunset and offer prayers.

Chandra Darshan 2026 Date

Chandra Darshan will be observed on August 13, 2026, Thursday.

The key timings provided for Ujjain are:

• Pratipada Tithi begins: 11:06 PM, August 12

• Pratipada Tithi ends: 8:42 PM, August 13

• Moonrise: 6:24 AM, August 13

• Moonset: 7:32 PM, August 13

• Sunrise: 6:06 AM

• Sunset: 6:57 PM

The exact visibility of the crescent Moon can depend on local conditions, including the observer's location and weather.

What Is Chandra Darshan?

Chandra Darshan refers to the observance of sighting the Moon after Amavasya, the new moon day.

According to Hindu tradition, devotees worship Chandra Dev, the Moon deity, on this occasion. The first visible crescent following Amavasya is considered religiously significant.

The observance is particularly associated with prayers, fasting and offerings made after sighting the Moon.

Chandra Darshan Vrat and Rituals

Some devotees observe a fast on Chandra Darshan. Traditionally, those following a strict vrat abstain from food and water until the Moon is sighted.

After seeing the crescent Moon, devotees offer prayers and may break their fast according to their family tradition.

A typical observance may include taking a bath, maintaining cleanliness, offering prayers to Chandra Dev and making traditional offerings.

Devotees may also donate items such as rice, sugar and clothes as part of their religious practices.

Fasting rules and rituals can vary between communities and families, so there is no single practice followed uniformly across India.

How Is Chandra Darshan Observed?

The most important part of the observance is traditionally the sighting of the new crescent Moon.

After sunset, devotees look towards the western sky for the first visible crescent. Once the Moon is sighted, prayers and offerings are performed.

The exact time at which the crescent becomes visible can vary from one location to another. Weather conditions and the position of the Moon can also affect visibility.

Religious Significance of Chandra Dev

In Hindu tradition, Chandra Dev is associated with the Moon and is counted among the Navagraha.

The Moon is traditionally linked with qualities such as the mind, emotions, purity and calmness. Chandra also has an important place in the Hindu calendar because many religious dates are determined according to lunar phases.

According to Hindu mythology, Chandra is associated with the 27 Nakshatras. Traditional accounts also describe Chandra as the father of Budha, who is associated with the planet Mercury.

Devotees therefore worship Chandra Dev during Chandra Darshan as part of their religious practice and seek blessings for peace, prosperity and good fortune.

Chandra Darshan August 2026 Timings

Timings are provided for Ujjain, India, and may vary according to location.

Important Note on Moon Sighting

The Panchang may provide Moonrise and Moonset timings, but actual crescent visibility is not guaranteed at the listed Moonrise time. Chandra Darshan specifically concerns the sighting of the thin crescent after Amavasya, so devotees should consider their local horizon, weather and visibility conditions.