Panchangam 10 December 2026, Thursday: Chandra Darshana and the First Margasira Lakshmivara (Hyderabad)

Quick answer: Thursday 10 December 2026 is Chandra Darshana, the first sighting of the new crescent after Amavasya, and the first Margasira Lakshmivara (Thursday) for Telugu families. In Hyderabad Shukla Pratipada ends at 08:45 AM, then Dwitiya; Mula nakshatra lasts until 11:58 PM. Look for the crescent in the west after sunset at 05:42 PM.

Two gentle observances share this Thursday. In the evening, the slender new moon returns after two dark nights, and devotees greet it with folded hands. During the day, homes across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana set up the first Lakshmi puja of Margasira, a month of Thursdays devoted to the Goddess of abundance and grace.

For the full month, read Margasira Masam 2026 dates and the Telugu Lakshmivara vratam. Marathi families keeping the Mahalakshmi Thursdays will find their guide at Margashirsha Guruvar vrat 2026 dates.

Today's panchang (Hyderabad)

The moon rises at 07:41 AM, just after the Sun, and sets at 06:40 PM, about an hour after sunset. That hour of twilight is your window to spot the crescent low in the west.

Religious significance

Chandra Darshana. Seeing the first crescent after Amavasya is an old and widespread custom. The Moon, Chandra, is linked in tradition with the mind and with calm emotions, and Lord Shiva wears the crescent on his head. Many devotees offer water or milk towards the moon and pray for peace of mind; some keep a light fast until they have seen it. These are customs rather than strict rules.

Lakshmivara vratam. In the Telugu tradition, the Thursdays of Margasira are dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi. Families clean the home, draw muggulu (rangoli) at the threshold, set up a kalasham or image of Lakshmi and offer naivedya such as pongali or payasam. Thursday is also Guruvara, the day of Brihaspati and of the guru, so a short prayer to one's teacher fits naturally.

Mula nakshatra. Mula means 'root'. It is a good day to reflect on the roots of one's faith and family, a theme that suits a month of household worship.

Simple Lakshmi puja for the first Thursday

1. Clean the house and the threshold in the morning and draw a rangoli at the entrance.
2. Set up a picture or idol of Goddess Lakshmi; some families place a kalasham with mango leaves and a coconut.
3. Offer turmeric, kumkum, flowers and a ghee lamp. Chant the mantra below 108 times, or read the Lakshmi Ashtottaram.
4. Offer naivedya such as payasam, pongali, fruit or jaggery, and do aarti.
5. Offer tambulam (betel, turmeric, kumkum) to a married woman guest if that is your custom.
6. After sunset, step outside, look west for the crescent and offer a prayer to Chandra.

No materials? Light one lamp, place a flower before any image of Lakshmi, and chant her name with gratitude for what you already have. Kalasham, specific sweets and vratakatha reading are traditional additions that vary between families.

Mantra for the day

Oṁ Śrī Mahālakṣmyai Namaḥ

Meaning: 'Salutations to the great Goddess Lakshmi'. A simple, widely used name-mantra for Mahalakshmi. Chant it as an offering of thanks, without bargaining for results.

Vrat guidance

Many women keep the Lakshmivara as a fast until the puja, or eat a single meal; others do the puja without fasting. Customs differ by family. Elders, pregnant women and anyone with a medical condition should not feel obliged to fast and should consult a doctor; the puja itself is the heart of the observance. For background on the vratam see Margasira Lakshmi vratam: rituals and benefits.

What you can do today

• Draw a rangoli at your doorway to welcome Lakshmi on the first Margasira Thursday.
• Perform a simple Lakshmi puja with a lamp, flowers and naivedya.
• Offer a short prayer to your guru or teacher, since it is Guruvara.
• Watch the western sky after 05:42 PM for the new crescent and offer a prayer to the Moon.
• Share the naivedya with neighbours or a domestic worker's family.
• Mark the remaining Lakshmivara dates on your calendar: 17, 24 and 31 December and 7 January.

For families and children

Children enjoy drawing the rangoli and spotting the moon. Make the crescent-hunt a small family outing at sunset: whoever sees it first gets to light the evening lamp. Explain that Lakshmi is not only money but also health, kindness, knowledge and a peaceful home.

Hindus abroad: tithi at local sunrise

Computed with HinduTone's panchang calculator, validated against Drik Panchang; festival dates abroad can differ by a day — follow your temple's panchang. The India clock times on this page are for Hyderabad only and are not converted to other countries.

The Lakshmivara is simply Thursday in your own time zone. Country guides list local Margashirsha Thursdays: USA, UK, Canada and Australia.

Frequently asked questions

When is Chandra Darshana in December 2026?

Drik Panchang lists Chandra Darshana on Thursday 10 December 2026 for Hyderabad. The moon rises at 07:41 AM and sets at 06:40 PM, so the thin crescent can be looked for low in the western sky shortly after sunset at 05:42 PM.

Is 10 December the first Margasira Lakshmivara?

Yes. Margasira Masam began on 9 December, and the Thursdays of the month are 10, 17, 24 and 31 December 2026 and 7 January 2027 (calculated). Many Telugu families perform Lakshmi puja on each of them.

What is the tithi today?

Shukla Pratipada prevails at sunrise and ends at 08:45 AM, after which Shukla Dwitiya runs for the rest of the day. Mula nakshatra lasts until 11:58 PM.

What if I cannot see the moon?

Clouds, buildings or city lights often hide the young crescent. Face west after sunset and offer your prayer to the Moon anyway; the intention is what matters.

Is Chandra Darshana on the same day abroad?

Not necessarily. Moon visibility depends on your location, and in New York, London and Toronto Shukla Dwitiya already prevails at sunrise today. Check your local panchang for the Chandra Darshana date.

Is the Lakshmivara vratam the same as Margashirsha Guruvar?

They are closely related Thursday Lakshmi observances in the same amanta month. Telugu families call it Margasira Lakshmivara vratam; Marathi families keep the Margashirsha Guruvar Mahalakshmi vrat. Customs differ in detail.

A closing thought

The moon returns, thin but certain, and Lakshmi is welcomed into a swept and lit home. Both remind us that grace grows quietly. Begin Margasira's Thursdays with a clean doorway, a single lamp and a grateful heart.

Previous and next day

• Previous day: Wednesday 9 December 2026: Shukla Pratipada, Jyeshtha
• Next day: Friday 11 December 2026: Shukla Dwitiya, Purva Ashadha

Related guides

• Margasira Masam 2026 and Lakshmivara vratam
• Margashirsha Guruvar vrat 2026 dates
• Margasira Lakshmi vratam: rituals and benefits
• Ashta Lakshmi: the eight forms of Goddess Lakshmi
• December 2026 Hindu festivals, dates and rituals

Editor's note (9 October 2026): Panchang timings and festival observances can vary by location, regional calendar and family tradition. This guide follows Drik Panchang for Hyderabad (IST). Please verify local puja timings with a trusted panchang or priest.