Welcome to the Babu Lal Chaturvedi Calendar for May 2026 — your complete Panchang for the month, covering daily tithi, nakshatra, yoga, sunrise-sunset and Rahu Kaal, alongside every major vrat and festival. May 2026 is also an unusually significant month: it opens with Buddha Purnima and, on May 17, crosses into Adhik Maas (Purushottam Maas) — a rare “leap month” that occurs only once every 32–33 months. That one fact reshapes the rest of the month, including which festivals land in May versus June this year.
All daily figures in the Babu Lal Chaturvedi Calendar below are computed using the Lahiri ayanamsa (the standard reference used across Indian Panchangs) for New Delhi. Timings shift by a few minutes for other cities — always confirm exact muhurats for your own location before an important ceremony.
Babu Lal Chaturvedi Panchang: Daily Tithi, Nakshatra & Rahu Kaal for May 2026
| Date | Day | Tithi (Paksha) | Nakshatra | Yoga | Sunrise – Sunset | Rahu Kaal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 May 2026 | Friday | Purnima (Shukla) | Swati | Siddhi | 05:45 AM – 06:52 PM | 10:40 AM – 12:18 PM |
| 02 May 2026 | Saturday | Pratipada (Krishna) | Vishakha | Vyatipata | 05:44 AM – 06:53 PM | 09:01 AM – 10:40 AM |
| 03 May 2026 | Sunday | Dwitiya (Krishna) | Vishakha | Variyana | 05:43 AM – 06:53 PM | 05:15 PM – 06:53 PM |
| 04 May 2026 | Monday | Tritiya (Krishna) | Anuradha | Parigha | 05:42 AM – 06:54 PM | 07:21 AM – 09:00 AM |
| 05 May 2026 | Tuesday | Chaturthi (Krishna) | Jyeshtha | Shiva | 05:41 AM – 06:55 PM | 03:36 PM – 05:16 PM |
| 06 May 2026 | Wednesday | Chaturthi (Krishna) | Mula | Siddha | 05:41 AM – 06:55 PM | 12:18 PM – 01:57 PM |
| 07 May 2026 | Thursday | Panchami (Krishna) | Purva Ashadha | Sadhya | 05:40 AM – 06:56 PM | 01:57 PM – 03:37 PM |
| 08 May 2026 | Friday | Shashthi (Krishna) | Uttara Ashadha | Shubha | 05:39 AM – 06:56 PM | 10:38 AM – 12:18 PM |
| 09 May 2026 | Saturday | Saptami (Krishna) | Shravana | Shukla | 05:38 AM – 06:57 PM | 08:58 AM – 10:38 AM |
| 10 May 2026 | Sunday | Ashtami (Krishna) | Dhanishtha | Brahma | 05:38 AM – 06:58 PM | 05:18 PM – 06:58 PM |
| 11 May 2026 | Monday | Navami (Krishna) | Shatabhisha | Indra | 05:37 AM – 06:58 PM | 07:17 AM – 08:57 AM |
| 12 May 2026 | Tuesday | Dashami (Krishna) | Purva Bhadrapada | Vaidhriti | 05:36 AM – 06:59 PM | 03:38 PM – 05:19 PM |
| 13 May 2026 | Wednesday | Ekadashi (Krishna) | Uttara Bhadrapada | Vishkumbha | 05:36 AM – 06:59 PM | 12:18 PM – 01:58 PM |
| 14 May 2026 | Thursday | Dwadashi (Krishna) | Revati | Preeti | 05:35 AM – 07:00 PM | 01:58 PM – 03:39 PM |
| 15 May 2026 | Friday | Trayodashi (Krishna) | Ashwini | Ayushman | 05:35 AM – 07:01 PM | 10:37 AM – 12:18 PM |
| 16 May 2026 | Saturday | Amavasya (Krishna) | Bharani | Saubhagya | 05:34 AM – 07:01 PM | 08:56 AM – 10:37 AM |
| 17 May 2026 | Sunday | Pratipada (Shukla) | Krittika | Shobhana | 05:34 AM – 07:02 PM | 05:21 PM – 07:02 PM |
| 18 May 2026 | Monday | Dwitiya (Shukla) | Rohini | Sukarma | 05:33 AM – 07:02 PM | 07:14 AM – 08:55 AM |
| 19 May 2026 | Tuesday | Tritiya (Shukla) | Mrigashira | Dhriti | 05:33 AM – 07:03 PM | 03:40 PM – 05:22 PM |
| 20 May 2026 | Wednesday | Chaturthi (Shukla) | Ardra | Shoola | 05:32 AM – 07:04 PM | 12:18 PM – 01:59 PM |
| 21 May 2026 | Thursday | Panchami (Shukla) | Pushya | Ganda | 05:32 AM – 07:04 PM | 01:59 PM – 03:41 PM |
| 22 May 2026 | Friday | Shashthi (Shukla) | Ashlesha | Vriddhi | 05:31 AM – 07:05 PM | 10:36 AM – 12:18 PM |
| 23 May 2026 | Saturday | Ashtami (Shukla) | Magha | Dhruva | 05:31 AM – 07:05 PM | 08:54 AM – 10:36 AM |
| 24 May 2026 | Sunday | Navami (Shukla) | Purva Phalguni | Harshana | 05:30 AM – 07:06 PM | 05:24 PM – 07:06 PM |
| 25 May 2026 | Monday | Dashami (Shukla) | Uttara Phalguni | Vajra | 05:30 AM – 07:06 PM | 07:12 AM – 08:54 AM |
| 26 May 2026 | Tuesday | Ekadashi (Shukla) | Hasta | Siddhi | 05:30 AM – 07:07 PM | 03:43 PM – 05:25 PM |
| 27 May 2026 | Wednesday | Ekadashi (Shukla) | Hasta | Vyatipata | 05:29 AM – 07:08 PM | 12:18 PM – 02:01 PM |
| 28 May 2026 | Thursday | Dwadashi (Shukla) | Chitra | Variyana | 05:29 AM – 07:08 PM | 02:01 PM – 03:43 PM |
| 29 May 2026 | Friday | Trayodashi (Shukla) | Swati | Parigha | 05:29 AM – 07:09 PM | 10:36 AM – 12:19 PM |
| 30 May 2026 | Saturday | Chaturdashi (Shukla) | Vishakha | Shiva | 05:28 AM – 07:09 PM | 08:54 AM – 10:36 AM |
| 31 May 2026 | Sunday | Purnima (Shukla) | Anuradha | Siddha | 05:28 AM – 07:10 PM | 05:27 PM – 07:10 PM |
Two things to note if you cross-check this table: (1) Saptami tithi on the Shukla side is “lost” between May 22 and 23 — its full span falls between two sunrises, a normal lunar effect called tithi-kshaya, not an omission. (2) Ekadashi appears at both the May 26 and 27 sunrises for the same reason in reverse (tithi-vriddhi) — the Ekadashi fast itself is observed on the 26th, with several traditions doing Smarta/Vaishnava paran on the 27th.
Why May 2026 Is a Rare Month: Adhik Maas Explained
The Hindu calendar tracks lunar months (roughly 354 days a year), while festivals and seasons need to stay aligned with the solar year (365 days). Left alone, that 11-day gap would drag Diwali into summer within a couple of decades. The traditional fix is Adhik Maas: roughly every three years, an entire extra lunar month is inserted so the two calendars re-sync.
In 2026, that extra month falls right after Vaishakha and takes the name of the month it precedes — so it’s called Adhik Jyeshtha, running from May 17 to mid-June. Because there are effectively two Jyeshtha months this year, the real (Nija) Jyeshtha — and the festivals normally attached to it, like Nirjala Ekadashi and Ganga Dussehra — land in the second half of June instead of May.
Adhik Maas carries its own mythology: it was once considered “Mala Maas” (an impure, unclaimed month) until, per the Padma Purana, Lord Vishnu accepted it as his own and it became Purushottam Maas (“the month of the Supreme Being”). Weddings, house-warmings, and other celebratory rites are traditionally avoided during it; instead, the month is treated as ideal for japa, scripture reading, fasting, and charity, on the belief that spiritual effort here yields unusually high merit.
Major Festivals in the Babu Lal Chaturvedi Calendar for May 2026
Buddha Purnima / Vaishakha Purnima — May 1 (Friday)
The full moon of Vaishakha marks the birth of Gautama Buddha, revered in Hindu tradition as an avatar of Vishnu, and is observed by both Buddhists and Hindus. It’s a day for early-morning bathing (ideally in a river), fasting, charity, and quiet reflection rather than celebration in the festive sense — the focus is compassion and non-violence.
Apara Ekadashi — May 13 (Wednesday)
One of the two Ekadashis of Jyeshtha month, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. “Apara” means limitless, and the fast is associated with relief from serious misfortune and negative karma. As with all Ekadashi vrats, sattvic eating begins the night before, grains are avoided on the day itself, and the fast is broken (paran) after sunrise the following day, once Dwadashi tithi begins.
Pradosh Vrat — May 15 (Friday)
A twilight fast to Lord Shiva observed on Trayodashi, roughly 45 minutes on either side of sunset. This particular Pradosh falls on a Friday, associated with added benefit for family harmony and prosperity.
Shani Jayanti & Vat Savitri Vrat — May 16 (Saturday)
Two significant observances share this Jyeshtha Amavasya. Shani Jayanti marks the appearance of Shani Dev and is widely used to perform remedies for Sade Sati or general Shani-related concerns. On the same day (in North Indian tradition), married women observe Vat Savitri Vrat, tying sacred thread around a banyan tree and recounting the story of Savitri’s devotion, which is believed to have won her husband Satyavan’s life back from Yama. (Regional variants of Vat Savitri are also observed on the Jyeshtha full moon rather than the new moon — check your family or regional tradition.)
Purushottam Purnima — Vrat May 30, Snan-Daan May 31
The full moon that falls inside Adhik Maas itself is considered the single most powerful day of the entire extra month. The fast is generally kept on the Saturday evening when the Purnima tithi is active, with the ritual bath and charity performed the next morning. Satyanarayan Katha and Vishnu Sahasranama recitation are the most common ways this day is marked.
Weddings & Griha Pravesh in May 2026
If you’re planning a wedding, engagement, or house-warming, the practical window in May is the first half of the month — before Adhik Maas begins on the 17th. Traditional almanacs generally advise against fixing such ceremonies once the extra month starts, since Adhik Maas is meant for introspection and worship rather than worldly celebration; auspicious dates typically resume once Nija (real) Jyeshtha begins in mid-June. As always, exact muhurat selection depends on the couple’s or family’s birth charts, so it’s worth confirming specific dates and times with a qualified astrologer rather than relying on a general calendar.
How to Read the Babu Lal Chaturvedi Panchang: Tithi, Nakshatra, Yoga, Karana & Rahu Kaal
A traditional panchang breaks every day down into five elements (“panch anga,” the five limbs of time):
- Tithi — the lunar day, measured by the angle between the sun and moon. There are 30 tithis in a lunar month, split into the waxing (Shukla) and waning (Krishna) fortnights.
- Nakshatra — the lunar mansion, one of 27 star-based segments the moon passes through, used to judge the day’s general character and to set names and muhurats.
- Yoga — one of 27 combined sun–moon positions, believed to color the nature of the day (favourable, mixed, or challenging).
- Karana — half of a tithi; there are 11 karanas that repeat through the month and are used for finer muhurat timing.
- Rahu Kaal — a roughly 90-minute window each day, different for every day of the week and every location, traditionally avoided for starting new or important work.
The table above gives you tithi, nakshatra, yoga, sunrise/sunset, and Rahu Kaal for every day of May 2026, calculated for New Delhi. If you’re in a different city, sunrise-linked windows like Rahu Kaal and Ekadashi paran will shift by a few minutes — a live panchang calculator set to your exact location is the most reliable way to fine-tune timings for an important ceremony.
May 2026 Monthly Rashifal (Zodiac Overview)
The following is a general, traditional-astrology-style overview for reflection — not a substitute for a personalised birth-chart reading.
Aries (Mesh): A month for pushing professional projects forward with more confidence than usual. Watch for a tendency to overcommit; pace yourself, especially once Adhik Maas begins.
Taurus (Vrishabh): Financial matters look steadier, and older pending payments or dues may finally resolve. Good energy for home-related decisions early in the month.
Gemini (Mithun): Communication and networking are favoured — a good stretch for negotiations, interviews, or launching a collaboration. Students preparing for exams should see decent focus.
Cancer (Kark): Family life takes center stage, with possible short trips or a pilgrimage on the horizon. Health routines deserve a bit more attention mid-month.
Leo (Simha): Leadership opportunities and recognition at work are likely. A good window to take initiative, though patience will be tested once Adhik Maas restrictions kick in.
Virgo (Kanya): Interest in spiritual practice and long-term planning grows naturally this month — a fitting sign for the Adhik Maas energy. New professional contacts could prove useful later.
Libra (Tula): New income opportunities may present themselves, along with support from colleagues or seniors. Legal or pending matters trend toward resolution.
Scorpio (Vrishchik): Career momentum builds, and a delayed promotion or raise could come through. Balancing family responsibilities alongside work will need conscious effort.
Sagittarius (Dhanu): A favourable month overall, with support arriving when least expected. Good for travel connected to faith or learning; avoid impulsive financial decisions.
Capricorn (Makar): Health and diet need closer attention, and speculative investments are best avoided this month. Steady, unglamorous effort pays off better than shortcuts.
Aquarius (Kumbh): Relationships deepen, and single natives may find new connections forming. Business partnerships look particularly promising.
Pisces (Meen): A good month for overcoming rivalries or lingering disputes, with possible relief from a long-standing health concern. Competitive exams favour steady preparation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nirjala Ekadashi in the Babu Lal Chaturvedi Calendar for May 2026? No. Because 2026 has an Adhik Maas, Nirjala Ekadashi falls in the real Jyeshtha month, landing in late June 2026, not May.
Why does Adhik Maas happen in 2026? Because the 354-day lunar year drifts about 11 days behind the 365-day solar year, an extra lunar month is inserted roughly every 32–33 months to keep festivals aligned with the seasons. In 2026, that extra month is Jyeshtha, running May 17 to mid-June.
Can weddings happen in May 2026? Auspicious dates are generally limited to the first half of the month, before Adhik Maas begins on May 17. Traditional almanacs discourage fixing weddings or house-warmings during Adhik Maas itself.
When is Vat Savitri Vrat in 2026? In the North Indian (Amavasya-based) tradition, it falls on May 16, alongside Shani Jayanti. Some regional traditions observe Vat Purnima instead, on the Jyeshtha full moon.
What is Purushottam Purnima? It’s the full moon that occurs within Adhik Maas itself — considered the most spiritually potent day of the entire extra month, observed with fasting (May 30) followed by a ritual bath and charity (May 31).
Which city are the Babu Lal Chaturvedi Calendar timings calculated for? New Delhi (IST), using the Lahiri ayanamsa — the standard reference for most published Indian panchangs. Timings shift by a few minutes for other cities.