Panchak Dates and Timings in 2026

January 1, 2026 Harshvardhan Mishra

Panchak is an important and sensitive period in Hindu astrology, during which certain activities are traditionally avoided due to their inauspicious nature. The word Panchak literally means “five”, referring to a group of five Nakshatras that collectively form this period.

In 2026, Panchak occurs multiple times throughout the year. Knowing these dates and timings helps individuals plan important activities wisely and avoid unnecessary obstacles or repeated losses.

What Is Panchak?

Panchak is a time span that occurs when the Moon transits through the last five Nakshatras of the zodiac:

Dhanishta
Shatabhisha
Purva Bhadrapada
Uttara Bhadrapada
Revati

According to traditional belief, tasks initiated during Panchak may face repetition, delay, damage, or loss, which is why it is considered an inauspicious period for certain beginnings.

Astrological Significance of Panchak

Panchak is significant because:

It is associated with instability and repetition
Activities begun during this time may need to be redone
Loss, accidents, or delays are believed to be more likely
Certain rituals are avoided to prevent negative outcomes

However, Panchak is not entirely negative, and many routine or unavoidable activities are permitted.

Panchak Dates and Timings – 2026

Below is the complete and accurate list of Panchak periods in the year 2026:

January 21, 2026 (Wednesday)

Begins: 01:35 AM
Ends: January 25, 2026 (Sunday) at 01:35 PM

February 17, 2026 (Tuesday)

Begins: 09:05 AM
Ends: February 21, 2026 (Saturday) at 07:07 PM

March 16, 2026 (Monday)

Begins: 06:14 PM
Ends: March 21, 2026 (Saturday) at 02:27 AM

April 13, 2026 (Monday)

Begins: 03:44 AM
Ends: April 17, 2026 (Friday) at 12:02 PM

May 10, 2026 (Sunday)

Begins: 12:12 PM
Ends: May 14, 2026 (Thursday) at 10:34 PM

June 6, 2026 (Saturday)

Begins: 07:03 PM
Ends: June 11, 2026 (Thursday) at 08:16 AM

July 4, 2026 (Saturday)

Begins: 12:48 AM
Ends: July 8, 2026 (Wednesday) at 04:00 PM

July 31, 2026 (Friday)

Begins: 06:38 AM
Ends: August 4, 2026 (Tuesday) at 09:54 PM

August 27, 2026 (Thursday)

Begins: 01:35 PM
Ends: September 1, 2026 (Tuesday) at 03:23 AM

September 23, 2026 (Wednesday)

Begins: 09:57 PM
Ends: September 28, 2026 (Monday) at 10:16 AM

October 21, 2026 (Wednesday)

Begins: 07:00 AM
Ends: October 25, 2026 (Sunday) at 07:22 PM

November 17, 2026 (Tuesday)

Begins: 03:30 PM
Ends: November 22, 2026 (Sunday) at 05:54 AM

December 14, 2026 (Monday)

Begins: 10:35 PM
Ends: December 19, 2026 (Saturday) at 03:58 PM

Activities to Avoid During Panchak

According to traditional Panchang guidelines, the following activities are generally avoided during Panchak:

House construction or roof work
Griha Pravesh (housewarming)
Marriage and engagement ceremonies
Purchasing beds, cots, or furniture
Starting major construction or renovation
Lighting funeral pyres (special remedies are followed if unavoidable)

The belief is that such activities may lead to repetition, damage, or loss.

Activities Allowed During Panchak

Despite its restrictive nature, Panchak does not prohibit all activities.

Permitted Activities

Routine daily work
Office and professional duties
Travel (if unavoidable)
Religious prayers and charity
Completion of ongoing tasks

Modern practice also allows many essential activities when proper remedies or auspicious yogas coincide.

Panchak Dosha and Remedies

If an important task must be performed during Panchak, traditional remedies include:

Chanting specific mantras
Performing Panchak Shanti Puja
Seeking guidance from a priest or astrologer
Choosing overlapping auspicious yogas like Ravi Yoga or Abhijit Nakshatra

These remedies are believed to reduce or neutralise Panchak Dosha.

Panchak vs Other Inauspicious Periods

Period	Nature	Effect
Panchak	Inauspicious	Repetition, delay
Dwipushkar Yoga	Inauspicious	Results repeat twice
Tripushkar Yoga	More inauspicious	Results repeat thrice
Rahu Kalam	Inauspicious	Avoid new beginnings

Among these, Panchak is the longest recurring inauspicious period, lasting several days.

Important Notes on Timings

All timings are provided in 12-hour format based on the local time of New Delhi, India.
Periods extending beyond midnight clearly mention the next calendar date.
As per the Hindu Panchang, a day begins and ends with sunrise, not midnight.

Conclusion

Panchak in 2026 occurs several times throughout the year and is regarded as a time of caution rather than fear. While certain important activities are traditionally avoided, awareness of Panchak timings allows individuals to plan wisely, apply remedies if needed, and avoid unnecessary complications.

By understanding Panchak periods, devotees believe they can protect themselves from repetition, loss, and delays, ensuring smoother progress in daily life.