How to Calculate Choghadiya
Choghadiya is calculated by dividing the time between sunrise and sunset (daytime) and sunset to sunrise (nighttime) into seven equal parts. While most people use online calculators or Panchang tables, understanding the calculation helps you appreciate the system and calculate manually if needed.
This guide explains the mathematical method, the rotating sequence of choghadiya types, and provides examples.
The Basic Formula
Daytime Choghadiya Calculation
Step 1: Find today's sunrise and sunset times for your location
Step 2: Calculate total daytime duration
Daytime Duration = Sunset Time - Sunrise Time
Step 3: Divide by 7
One Choghadiya Period = Daytime Duration ÷ 7
Step 4: Calculate each period's start/end time
Period 1: Sunrise to (Sunrise + 1 period)
Period 2: (Sunrise + 1 period) to (Sunrise + 2 periods)
...and so on for 7 periods
Nighttime Choghadiya Calculation
Same process, but using sunset to next sunrise:
Step 1: Find today's sunset and tomorrow's sunrise
Step 2: Calculate total nighttime duration
Nighttime Duration = Tomorrow's Sunrise - Today's Sunset
Step 3: Divide by 7 and calculate each period
Example Calculation
Mumbai on January 15, 2026
Given Data:
- Sunrise: 7:15 AM
- Sunset: 6:30 PM
- Next Sunrise: 7:16 AM (next day)
Daytime Calculation
Total Daytime:
6:30 PM - 7:15 AM = 11 hours 15 minutes = 675 minutes
One Period:
675 ÷ 7 = 96.4 minutes (approximately 1 hour 36 minutes)
Seven Daytime Periods:
1. 7:15 AM - 8:51 AM (96 min)
2. 8:51 AM - 10:27 AM (96 min)
3. 10:27 AM - 12:04 PM (97 min)
4. 12:04 PM - 1:40 PM (96 min)
5. 1:40 PM - 3:16 PM (96 min)
6. 3:16 PM - 4:53 PM (97 min)
7. 4:53 PM - 6:30 PM (97 min)
Nighttime Calculation
Total Nighttime:
Next day 7:16 AM - Today 6:30 PM = 12 hours 46 minutes = 766 minutes
One Period:
766 ÷ 7 = 109.4 minutes (approximately 1 hour 49 minutes)
Seven Nighttime Periods:
1. 6:30 PM - 8:19 PM (109 min)
2. 8:19 PM - 10:09 PM (110 min)
3. 10:09 PM - 11:58 PM (109 min)
4. 11:58 PM - 1:47 AM (109 min)
5. 1:47 AM - 3:37 AM (110 min)
6. 3:37 AM - 5:26 AM (109 min)
7. 5:26 AM - 7:16 AM (110 min)
The Choghadiya Sequence
Once you have the seven time periods, you need to assign the choghadiya type to each period. The sequence rotates based on the day of the week.
Daytime Sequence by Day
The starting choghadiya type changes with each day:
Sunday: Starts with Udveg
Monday: Starts with Char
Tuesday: Starts with Labh
Wednesday: Starts with Amrit
Thursday: Starts with Kaal
Friday: Starts with Shubh
Saturday: Starts with Rog
Then the sequence continues: Udveg, Char, Labh, Amrit, Kaal, Shubh, Rog, Udveg...
Nighttime Sequence by Day
Sunday Night: Starts with Shubh
Monday Night: Starts with Amrit
Tuesday Night: Starts with Char
Wednesday Night: Starts with Rog
Thursday Night: Starts with Udveg
Friday Night: Starts with Char
Saturday Night: Starts with Labh
Complete Example: Wednesday in Mumbai
Let's assign types to our calculated periods for Wednesday:
Daytime (Wednesday starts with Amrit)
1. 7:15 AM - 8:51 AM: Amrit (1st period, Wednesday starts here)
2. 8:51 AM - 10:27 AM: Kaal (2nd period)
3. 10:27 AM - 12:04 PM: Shubh (3rd period)
4. 12:04 PM - 1:40 PM: Rog (4th period)
5. 1:40 PM - 3:16 PM: Udveg (5th period)
6. 3:16 PM - 4:53 PM: Char (6th period)
7. 4:53 PM - 6:30 PM: Labh (7th period)
Nighttime (Wednesday night starts with Rog)
1. 6:30 PM - 8:19 PM: Rog (1st night period)
2. 8:19 PM - 10:09 PM: Udveg (2nd period)
3. 10:09 PM - 11:58 PM: Char (3rd period)
4. 11:58 PM - 1:47 AM: Labh (4th period)
5. 1:47 AM - 3:37 AM: Amrit (5th period)
6. 3:37 AM - 5:26 AM: Kaal (6th period)
7. 5:26 AM - 7:16 AM: Shubh (7th period)
Why Manual Calculation is Rarely Needed
Practical Considerations
Modern Tools: Online calculators, Panchang apps, and websites provide instant choghadiya calculation for any location.
Complexity: While the math is simple, tracking the rotating sequence and calculating multiple locations/dates is tedious.
Accuracy: Automated calculations use precise sunrise/sunset data and account for atmospheric refraction, elevation, etc.
Time-Saving: Checking a choghadiya table takes seconds vs manual calculation taking minutes.
When Manual Calculation is Useful
Educational Purpose: Understanding how it works deepens your knowledge.
No Internet Access: In remote locations without connectivity.
Academic Interest: For students of Vedic astronomy or astrology.
Verification: Double-checking automated calculations.
Tips for Manual Calculation
Get Accurate Sunrise/Sunset Data: Use reliable sources like timeanddate.com or local Panchang.
Use 24-Hour Time: Easier to calculate (e.g., 6:30 PM = 18:30).
Round Carefully: Periods won't divide exactly evenly. Round minutes to keep total adding up to actual day/night duration.
Double-Check Sequence: The rotating choghadiya sequence is easy to lose track of. Write it out.
Verify Against Online Source: After manual calculation, verify against a reliable online calculator.
Common Calculation Mistakes
Wrong Sunrise/Sunset: Using data for wrong location or date.
Daylight Saving Time: Forgetting to account for DST in locations that observe it.
Rounding Errors: Periods must add up to exact daytime/nighttime duration.
Sequence Confusion: Starting with wrong choghadiya type for the day.
Timezone Errors: Using wrong timezone for sunrise/sunset data.
Modern Calculation Tools
Recommended Online Resources:
Rather than calculating manually, use reliable choghadiya calculators that automatically handle:
- Precise sunrise/sunset for your exact location
- Automatic sequence rotation
- All dates
- Multiple locations
Check Choghadiya for Your City
Mobile Apps: Many Panchang apps include choghadiya calculators.
Panchang Books: Traditional printed Panchangs include pre-calculated choghadiya tables.
Related Resources
Learn About Choghadiya:
Comparisons:
Activity Guides:
Check Today's Timing: