By Pt. Nilesh Sharma
Importance and Auspicious Window for First Moon Sighting After Amavasya 2026

After Amavasya, the first tender line of the Moon in the evening sky has always been seen as a sign of hope, renewal and gentle good fortune. The first sighting of this young Moon is called Chandra Darshan and the spiritual strength of the Phalguna Chandra Darshan is regarded as very special in Hindu practice.
The date and timing for Phalguna Chandra Darshan in 2026 are as follows.
| Detail | Date | Day | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phalguna Chandra Darshan 2026 | 18 February 2026 | Wednesday | 06:13 pm to 07:05 pm |
The most favourable time for Chandra Darshan is generally just after sunset, when the sky holds a soft darkness and the slim crescent is first visible. In 2026, this evening period on Phalguna Chandra Darshan is especially suitable for worship, ending the fast and quiet meditation on Chandra Dev.
Chandra Darshan is the first viewing of the Moon after Amavasya. Tradition suggests that when the Moon appears again after the fully dark Amavasya night, it should be greeted with reverence, a folded hand salutation and prayer.
The Phalguna Chandra Darshan is one important step in this cycle. The month of Phalguna is already associated with joy, festivity and the approach of Holi, so its Chandra Darshan is seen as a sign of fresh progress and good fortune.
Rather than something dramatic, it is a very gentle and emotional moment, where the devotee acknowledges that no matter how deep the darkness, light slowly returns both outside and within.
The Chandra Darshan festival is celebrated in honour of Chandra Dev, the Moon God.
The most suitable time for Chandra Darshan is considered to be immediately after sunset, because that is when the delicate crescent can be seen most easily. Even for almanac makers, predicting the exact instant is not simple, so this general window after sunset becomes the practical guide.
For Phalguna Chandra Darshan 2026, the window from 06:13 pm to 07:05 pm has been mentioned as especially relevant.
Within this period, the chance of sighting the young Moon is highest. Devotees who keep a strict fast end it only after seeing the Moon during this time and then take water or Prasada.
The care taken about timing is not to create fear but to keep the mind attentive, so the moment of the Moon’s return after total darkness is experienced with full awareness and reverence.
Traditional summaries also link Chandra Darshan with the Pratipada tithi of the Bhadrapada Shukla Paksha.
In many descriptions, Chandra Darshan is said to be associated with this first tithi after Amavasya, where the first appearance of the Moon is symbolically tied to new beginnings.
The information notes that the festival is counted from the Bhadrapada Shukla Pratipada and that it is treated as a special occasion related to Chandra Dev, returning annually as an opportunity for Moon worship and gratitude.
The Puja Vidhi for Phalguna Chandra Darshan is simple, yet it is to be done with care and sincerity.
Teachings say that a person who performs the complete ritual worship of Chandra Dev on this day with full devotion receives lasting good luck and prosperity.
Charity holds an important place among the practices of Chandra Darshan.
In this way, Chandra Darshan gently turns a person from a purely receiving attitude towards a more giving and sharing way of living.
In Hindu understanding, Chandra Dev is counted among the most revered deities.
He is one of the key members of the Navagraha and is believed to deeply influence the psychological and emotional layers of human life. The Moon is treated as a favourable planet and is associated with wisdom, purity and good intention.
When Chandra is well placed in a birth chart, it is said to support mental balance, healthy relationships and a gentle quality in life. Worship of Chandra Dev on Chandra Darshan is therefore meant to steady and purify the mind.
Chandra Dev is also honoured as a nurturer of plant and animal life.
The cool rays of the Moon are described as nourishing the Earth and its creatures. Chandra Dev is said to be married to the twenty seven Nakshatras, daughters of King Prajapati Daksha.
He is also described as the father of Budha, the planet Mercury. In this way, Chandra stands as a bridge between stars and planets, connecting mind, intellect and the natural world in a subtle harmony.
Phalguna Chandra Darshan is closely connected with peace and harmony in the home.
On this evening, families often pray specifically for mental stability, emotional balance and mutual understanding among their members. Since Chandra Dev governs the mind and feelings, his grace is hoped to reduce unnecessary tension, irritability and dissatisfaction within the household.
Where there is repeated conflict or emotional imbalance, occasions like Phalguna Chandra Darshan can be used for quiet worship, charity and sincere prayer, allowing the inner atmosphere of the home to begin shifting in a gentle and hopeful way.
The Chandra Darshan festival is remembered not only once a year but in connection with the first Moon sighting after various Amavasya dates.
A brief list of recent observances is given.
These entries show that the practice of Chandra Darshan continues across months and years, linking each first Moon sighting with a moment of worship and inner reflection.
If Phalguna Chandra Darshan 2026 is treated only as a ritual, its deeper value may remain hidden.
On this day, a person can honestly recognise inner restlessness, worries or confusion and place them before Chandra Dev while seeking clarity and calm. A resolve may be made to respond less from emotional impulse and more from steadiness and understanding in daily life.
When Chandra Darshan is accompanied not only by fasting, charity and prayer but also by small but sincere changes in thought and behaviour, Phalguna Chandra Darshan 2026 becomes an occasion that supports both good fortune and enduring inner stability.
When is Phalguna Chandra Darshan in 2026 and what is its timing
Phalguna Chandra Darshan in 2026 will be observed on Wednesday, 18 February. The auspicious window for sighting the Moon is from 06:13 pm to 07:05 pm and devotees try to perform Chandra Darshan, worship and ending of the fast during this period.
Why do devotees keep a strict fast on the day of Chandra Darshan
Many devotees observe a complete fast without food or water throughout the day and break it only after seeing the Moon after sunset. The belief is that such disciplined fasting and worship on Chandra Darshan can lay a strong foundation for long term good fortune, prosperity and mental peace.
What items are considered suitable for charity on Chandra Darshan
On Chandra Darshan, it is customary to donate clothes, rice, sugar and other essential items to Brahmins or to the needy. While giving, people remember Chandra Dev and pray for cool, compassionate and balanced emotions in their lives.
Why is Chandra Dev so important among the Navagraha
Chandra Dev represents the mind, emotions and inner balance. He is linked with wisdom, purity and goodwill. When the Moon is well placed in a horoscope, it is considered helpful for relationships, decision making and natural ease in life, which is why Chandra Darshan worship has special importance.
How can a devotee use Phalguna Chandra Darshan 2026 for personal growth
A devotee can use this occasion to combine fasting, charity, worship of Chandra Dev and quiet prayer with a clear resolve to respond more calmly and thoughtfully in daily situations. If such inner work is repeated on Chandra Darshan and similar days, mental balance, harmony and confidence can gradually become stronger.
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