Chandra Darshan 2026

Chandra Darshan is the sacred sighting of the new moon (Chandramā) for the first time after Amavasya. This first vision of the young crescent moon is considered highly auspicious in Hinduism. It marks the beginning of the new lunar month and symbolizes hope, positive energy, spiritual cleansing, and new beginnings. In 2026, Chandra Darshan will occur 12 times, one for each lunar month, starting from January to December. This guide covers the dates, timings, significance, fasting rules, puja vidhi, benefits, and complete details of Chandra Darshan in 2026.

Chandra Darshan literally means “viewing the moon”. It refers to the first appearance of the moon right after Amavasya, when the moon is faint, delicate, and barely visible. According to Hindu scriptures: The first sighting of the moon brings good fortune.

The moon symbolizes mind, emotions, beauty, peace, and prosperity.

Seeing the young moon is equal to gaining new opportunities, blessings, and mental clarity.

Many devotees keep a fast on Chandra Darshan, worship the Moon God (Chandra Deva), and pray for happiness, wealth, peace of mind, and emotional balance.

1. Symbol of Prosperity and Good Luck The new moon sighting is believed to remove negativity, attract wealth, and create fresh beginnings.

2. Moon God (Chandra Deva) Worship Chandra is associated with: Beauty and radiance Calmness and emotional stability Fertility and nourishment Chandra is also considered the lord of the mind (Manokarak graha).

3. Importance in Hindu Astrology Chandra influences: Thoughts Mood Relationships Health Hence, seeing the moon on Chandra Darshan brings harmony and strengthens emotional wellbeing.

4. Importance in Fasting Traditions Some people observe a special Chandra Darshan Vrat for: Peace in family Financial progress Relief from mental stress Good health

Below is the complete month-wise list of Chandra Darshan 2026 with precise sighting timings and Pratipada duration.

January 20, 2026 (Tuesday) Chandra Darshan: 05:50 PM to 07:16 PM Pratipada Duration: 1 hour 25 minutes

February 18, 2026 (Wednesday) Chandra Darshan: 06:13 PM to 07:05 PM Pratipada Duration: 52 minutes

March 20, 2026 (Friday) Chandra Darshan: 06:32 PM to 07:59 PM Pratipada Duration: 1 hour 26 minutes

April 18, 2026 (Saturday) Chandra Darshan: 06:49 PM to 07:56 PM Pratipada Duration: 1 hour 08 minutes

May 17, 2026 (Sunday) – Adhika Chandra Darshan Chandra Darshan: 07:06 PM to 07:58 PM Pratipada Duration: 52 minutes

June 16, 2026 (Tuesday) Chandra Darshan: 07:21 PM to 08:54 PM Pratipada Duration: 1 hour 33 minutes

July 15, 2026 (Wednesday) Chandra Darshan: 07:21 PM to 08:19 PM Pratipada Duration: 58 minutes

August 14, 2026 (Friday) Chandra Darshan: 07:02 PM to 08:01 PM Pratipada Duration: 59 minutes

September 13, 2026 (Sunday) Chandra Darshan: 06:29 PM to 07:31 PM Pratipada Duration: 1 hour 02 minutes

October 12, 2026 (Monday) Chandra Darshan: 05:55 PM to 06:36 PM Pratipada Duration: 41 minutes

November 11, 2026 (Wednesday) Chandra Darshan: 05:29 PM to 06:38 PM Pratipada Duration: 1 hour 09 minutes

December 10, 2026 (Thursday) Chandra Darshan: 05:25 PM to 06:16 PM Pratipada Duration: 51 minutes

Note: Timings may vary slightly based on location. Always refer to your local panchang.

Chandra Darshan is spiritually uplifting and deeply symbolic. Seeing the first moon carries divine benefits:

1. Attracts Good Fortune The sighting is believed to bring wealth, luck, and new opportunities.

2. Improves Emotional Health Moon governs the mind; therefore, Chandra Darshan brings: Peace Clarity Emotional balance Relief from stress

3. Helps in Starting New Tasks It marks the beginning of a fresh lunar cycle, ideal for: New business New investments Spiritual beginnings Family decisions

4. Removes Negativity The moon’s cool energy helps remove: Tension Fear Past emotional burdens

5. Strengthens Planetary Influence For those with weak Chandra in their horoscope, performing Chandra Puja or fasting helps balance energies.

6. Benefits Women The moon is connected to: Fertility Hormonal health Emotional stability

Hence women are encouraged to observe Chandra Darshan for improved wellbeing.

Anyone can observe this sacred sighting, but especially beneficial for: People facing stress or emotional fluctuations

Couples wanting harmony

Students seeking better concentration

Families wanting prosperity

Those experiencing moon-related issues in astrology

Individuals beginning new ventures or journeys

It is also helpful for people with: Restlessness

Anxiety

Mental fatigue

Performing Chandra Darshan rituals with devotion enhances the benefits. Step 1: Purification Wake up early Take a bath Clean the puja area Wear clean clothes (preferably white/light colours)

Step 2: Sankalp (Prayer Resolution) Sit in front of the deity and take a vow: To observe Chandra Darshan fast To seek mental peace, prosperity, and good health To receive Chandra Deva’s blessings

Step 3: Puja Preparation Arrange the following items: White flowers Rice (Akshata) Diya (ghee lamp) Incense Milk and sugar Water in a kalash Fruits Camphor

Step 4: Chandra Darshan Ritual When the moon becomes visible: Look at the moon with devotion. Offer arghya (water) to the moon. Light a diya and incense sticks. Offer white flowers and rice.

Chant Chandra mantra: “Om Chandraya Namah” Pray for peace and wellbeing.

Step 5: Fasting Many devotees follow Chandra Darshan Vrat: Some remain on fruits and milk Some on satvik food Some fast until moon sighting

Step 6: Evening Aarti Perform Chandra aarti after moon sighting and offer: Sweets White food items (milk, kheer)

Step 7: Parana (Breaking the Fast) Break your fast after moon sighting. Traditionally you may eat: Kheer Fruits Light satvik meal

Do’s Maintain calmness and purity Meditate Offer water to the moon Eat simple satvik food Keep your mind positive

Don’ts Avoid anger and negative thoughts Avoid non-veg, eggs, alcohol Avoid spicy and oily food Do not hurt or argue with anyone

Allowed Milk, curd, kheer Coconut Fruits and dry fruits Rock salt Simple satvik meal (after moon sighting)

Not Allowed Onion & garlic Non-vegetarian food Alcohol, cigarettes Heavy grains (strict observers avoid all grains)

According to a popular belief, long ago a poor couple lived in distress due to poverty and ill-luck. A sage advised them to observe Chandra Darshan Vrat and worship the moon each month. They followed the vrat with sincerity. Gradually: Their home filled with peace

Wealth increased

Health improved

Happiness returned

The lesson is simple: “Worship of the Moon removes misfortune and brings new beginnings.”

1. Mental Peace and Stability Moon governs the mind; worship brings emotional balance.
2. Prosperity and Good Luck Brings success in new ventures and reduces obstacles.
3. Health Benefits Helps relieve stress, improves mind-body coordination.
4. Improves Relationships Enhances understanding, calmness, and harmony in family life.
5. Reduces Negative Planetary Influence Especially beneficial for those with: Weak Chandra

Mental stress

Relationship issues

6. Spiritual Upliftment Encourages meditation, calmness, and inner clarity.

Chandra Mantra “Om Chandraya Namah” Peace Mantra “Om Shanti Shanti Shantih” Chandra Gayatri Mantra “Om Kshira-Putray Vidmahe Amrita-Tattvaya Dhimahi Tanno Chandra Prachodayat” Chanting these mantras during moon sighting increases spiritual benefits.

After completing Chandra Darshan: Eat light satvik food

Donate white items like rice, milk, or clothes

Feed cows or birds

Thank Moon God for blessings

These charitable acts enhance the positive outcomes of the vrat.

Chandra Darshan 2026 offers devotees a powerful opportunity to connect with divine lunar energy. Each month, the first sighting of the moon brings hope, new beginnings, peace of mind, and prosperity. Observing the Chandra Darshan vrat with sincerity helps purify the mind, remove negativity, attract good fortune, and strengthen emotional health. Whether observed for family peace, financial stability, or spiritual growth, Chandra Darshan holds immense blessings for all.