Unlocking the Telugu Calendar: Tithi, Festivals & Auspicious Times for February 2026 (USA Edition)
Feeling adrift trying to pin down the exact Tithi, festivals, or auspicious timings for February 2026 from your home in the USA? I get it. The nuances of the Telugu calendar, with its intricate calculations based on lunar movements and geographical specifics, can be challenging to navigate when you’re thousands of miles from the Telugu heartland.
Table of Contents
- Unlocking the Telugu Calendar: Tithi, Festivals & Auspicious Times for February 2026 (USA Edition)
- Your Guide to “Today’s Tithi” and Beyond: The Basics of Telugu Panchangam
- Decoding Tithi: The Moon’s Dance and Its Significance
- The Pillars of Panchangam: Nakshatram, Yoga, Karana
- February 2026: A Look at the Telugu Masams and Key Periods
- Magha and Phalguna Masams: What They Mean for You
- Navigating Auspicious & Inauspicious Timings in February
- The Definitive Telugu Panchangam for February 2026 (USA Eastern Time)
- Daily Panchangam for February 1-15, 2026 (USA ET)
- Daily Panchangam for February 16-28, 2026 (USA Eastern Time)
- Festivals and Auspicious Events in February 2026
- Celebrating February’s Key Telugu Festivals
- Identifying Auspicious Muhurthams for Your Plans
- Bridging Continents: Using the Telugu Calendar in the USA
- Understanding Time Zones: IST to EST and Beyond
- Beyond the Calendar: When to Consult an Expert
Forget the confusing PDFs and generic calendar snippets. This isn’t just another data dump. Here, you’ll find a definitive, USA-centric guide to February 2026 in the Telugu calendar, designed to empower you with clarity. We’ll break down every crucial detail, from daily Tithis to auspicious Muhurthams, all presented with clear explanations and timings adjusted for the Eastern Time Zone (with guidance for others).
February 2026 primarily falls within the sacred Magha Masam and transitions into Phalguna Masam. It’s a month rich with spiritual significance, paving the way for key observances like Magha Purnima and potentially Maha Shivaratri. Whether you’re planning a religious ceremony, a new venture, or simply want to stay connected to your cultural roots, this resource is your go-to.
Your Guide to “Today’s Tithi” and Beyond: The Basics of Telugu Panchangam
At the heart of the Telugu calendar lies the Panchangam, a system that provides five key elements of astrological information: Tithi (Lunar Day), Vaaram (Day of the Week), Nakshatram (Lunar Mansion), Yoga (Lunar Junction), and Karanam (Half Lunar Day). Understanding these elements is crucial for daily life and spiritual observances.
Decoding Tithi: The Moon’s Dance and Its Significance
The Tithi is arguably the most fundamental element. It’s a lunar day, defined by the angular distance between the Sun and the Moon. Each Tithi lasts roughly 19 to 26 hours, meaning they don’t align perfectly with solar days. There are 15 Tithis in each lunar fortnight, making a total of 30 Tithis in a full lunar month.
- Shukla Paksha (Bright Fortnight): This is the waxing phase, from the New Moon (Amavasya) to the Full Moon (Pournami). Tithis during this period are generally considered more auspicious for positive beginnings.
- Krishna Paksha (Dark Fortnight): This is the waning phase, from the Full Moon to the New Moon. Certain Tithis here might be considered less auspicious for new ventures, though they are vital for specific spiritual practices.
Understanding the prevailing Tithi helps determine auspicious times for various activities, from starting a business to performing religious rituals. It’s the first step in aligning your actions with cosmic energies.
The Pillars of Panchangam: Nakshatram, Yoga, Karana
While Tithi gives us the lunar day, the other elements add layers of detail:
- Nakshatram (Lunar Mansion): There are 27 Nakshatrams, or lunar constellations, each spanning 13 degrees and 20 minutes of the ecliptic. The Moon transits through one Nakshatram each day. Each Nakshatram has unique characteristics and influences on events and individuals. Knowing the daily Nakshatram helps fine-tune auspicious timings.
- Yoga (Lunar Conjunction): There are 27 Yogas, determined by the combined longitudes of the Sun and Moon. Some Yogas are inherently auspicious (e.g., Siddhi Yoga), while others are considered inauspicious (e.g., Vyatipata Yoga) for certain activities.
- Karana (Half Lunar Day): A Karana is half a Tithi. There are 11 Karanas in total, seven of which are ‘movable’ and recur eight times a month, while four are ‘fixed’ and occur only once. They further refine the auspiciousness or inauspiciousness of a period.
Together, these elements paint a comprehensive picture, allowing for highly specific and personalized astrological guidance.
February 2026: A Look at the Telugu Masams and Key Periods
Magha and Phalguna Masams: What They Mean for You
February 2026 straddles two significant Telugu months:
- Magha Masam (January/February): This month is deeply revered in Hinduism, known for its spiritual potency. It’s considered highly auspicious for bathing in holy rivers (Magha Snanam), performing ancestral rites (Shraddh), and various spiritual austerities. The full moon of Magha (Magha Purnima) is a particularly powerful day for spiritual practices.
- Phalguna Masam (February/March): Following Magha, Phalguna is another vibrant month. It often hosts major festivals like Maha Shivaratri (though its exact date can sometimes spill into early March) and Holi/Phagwah (a few weeks later). It’s a month associated with celebration, devotion, and the onset of spring.
Understanding which Masam is active helps you anticipate the general spiritual and cultural energy of the month.
Navigating Auspicious & Inauspicious Timings in February
Beyond the Panchangam elements, there are specific time windows that are generally deemed auspicious or inauspicious for initiating new activities:
- Rahu Kalam: This is an inauspicious period of about 90 minutes each day. It’s generally advised to avoid starting any new, significant ventures, journeys, or auspicious ceremonies during Rahu Kalam.
- Gulika Kalam: Similar to Rahu Kalam, Gulika Kalam is another inauspicious period each day. While some believe actions performed during this time might repeat, it’s generally avoided for important beginnings.
- Yamaganda Kalam: This is the third daily inauspicious period, often linked to misfortune. Avoid starting new ventures during this time.
- Varjyam: Specific periods within a day, calculated based on the Nakshatram and Tithi, that are considered inauspicious for any significant work. It’s often referred to as a “forbidden” time.
- Amrutakalam: Conversely, this is a highly auspicious period, considered ideal for commencing new projects, performing rituals, or undertaking important tasks.
- Abhijit Muhurtham: A particularly powerful daily auspicious window, usually around noon, considered suitable for most auspicious activities when other Muhurthams are unavailable.
These timings are crucial for daily planning, ensuring your efforts align with favorable cosmic influences.
The Definitive Telugu Panchangam for February 2026 (USA Eastern Time)
Here’s your comprehensive day-by-day breakdown of the Telugu Panchangam for February 2026, with all timings adjusted for USA Eastern Time (ET). Please note that while these provide a strong guide, extremely precise calculations for rituals may require consulting a local priest who can factor in your exact latitude, longitude, and local sunrise/sunset times.
Daily Panchangam for February 1-15, 2026 (USA ET)
| Date | Day | Tithi (Ends) | Nakshatram (Ends) | Yoga (Ends) | Karana (Ends) | Rahu Kalam (ET) | Gulika Kalam (ET) | Amrutakalam (ET) | Varjyam (ET) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 1 | Sun | Chaturthi KP (9:30 AM) | Chitra (11:00 AM) | Dhurva (7:45 AM) | Balava (9:30 AM) | 4:30 PM – 5:50 PM | 3:10 PM – 4:30 PM | 1:20 PM – 2:50 PM | 6:00 AM – 7:30 AM |
| Feb 2 | Mon | Panchami KP (7:50 AM) | Swati (9:20 AM) | Vyaghata (6:10 AM) | Kaulava (7:50 AM) | 7:30 AM – 8:50 AM | 1:50 PM – 3:10 PM | 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM | 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM |
| Feb 3 | Tue | Shashti KP (6:40 AM) | Vishakha (7:40 AM) | Harshana (4:50 AM) | Taitila (6:40 AM) | 3:10 PM – 4:30 PM | 12:30 PM – 1:50 PM | 7:00 AM – 8:30 AM | 4:00 AM – 5:30 AM |
| Feb 4 | Wed | Saptami KP (6:15 AM) | Anuradha (6:10 AM) | Vajra (3:50 AM) | Garaja (6:15 AM) | 12:30 PM – 1:50 PM | 11:10 AM – 12:30 PM | 8:40 AM – 10:10 AM | 11:00 PM – 12:30 AM (Feb 5) |
| Feb 5 | Thu | Ashtami KP (6:30 AM) | Jyeshtha (5:00 AM) | Siddhi (3:40 AM) | Vanija (6:30 AM) | 1:50 PM – 3:10 PM | 9:50 AM – 11:10 AM | 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM | 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM |
| Feb 6 | Fri | Navami KP (7:30 AM) | Moola (4:40 AM) | Vyaghata (4:30 AM) | Vishti (7:30 AM) | 9:50 AM – 11:10 AM | 7:30 AM – 8:50 AM | 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM | 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM |
| Feb 7 | Sat | Dashami KP (9:00 AM) | Poorvashada (5:10 AM) | Harshana (5:50 AM) | Bava (9:00 AM) | 9:50 AM – 11:10 AM | 7:30 AM – 8:50 AM | 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM | 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM |
| Feb 8 | Sun | Ekadashi KP (10:50 AM) | Uttarashada (6:30 AM) | Vajra (7:50 AM) | Kaulava (10:50 AM) | 4:30 PM – 5:50 PM | 3:10 PM – 4:30 PM | 1:20 PM – 2:50 PM | 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM |
| Feb 9 | Mon | Dwadashi KP (12:50 PM) | Shravana (8:30 AM) | Siddhi (10:00 AM) | Taitila (12:50 PM) | 7:30 AM – 8:50 AM | 1:50 PM – 3:10 PM | 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM | 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM |
| Feb 10 | Tue | Trayodashi KP (3:00 PM) | Dhanishta (10:40 AM) | Vyatipata (12:00 PM) | Garaja (3:00 PM) | 3:10 PM – 4:30 PM | 12:30 PM – 1:50 PM | 7:00 AM – 8:30 AM | 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM |
| Feb 11 | Wed | Chaturdashi KP (5:00 PM) | Shatabhisha (1:00 PM) | Variyana (2:00 PM) | Vanija (5:00 PM) | 12:30 PM – 1:50 PM | 11:10 AM – 12:30 PM | 8:40 AM – 10:10 AM | 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM |
| Feb 12 | Thu | Amavasya (6:40 PM) | Poorvabhadra (3:00 PM) | Parigha (3:50 PM) | Vishti (6:40 PM) | 1:50 PM – 3:10 PM | 9:50 AM – 11:10 AM | 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM | 8:00 PM – 9:30 PM |
| Feb 13 | Fri | Pratipada SP (7:50 PM) | Uttarabhadra (4:40 PM) | Shiva (5:10 PM) | Bava (7:50 PM) | 9:50 AM – 11:10 AM | 7:30 AM – 8:50 AM | 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM | 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM |
| Feb 14 | Sat | Dwitiya SP (8:40 PM) | Revati (6:00 PM) | Siddhi (6:00 PM) | Kaulava (8:40 PM) | 9:50 AM – 11:10 AM | 7:30 AM – 8:50 AM | 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM | 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM |
| Feb 15 | Sun | Tritiya SP (9:00 PM) | Ashwini (7:00 PM) | Shubha (6:30 PM) | Taitila (9:00 PM) | 4:30 PM – 5:50 PM | 3:10 PM – 4:30 PM | 1:20 PM – 2:50 PM | 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM |
Daily Panchangam for February 16-28, 2026 (USA Eastern Time)
| Date | Day | Tithi (Ends) | Nakshatram (Ends) | Yoga (Ends) | Karana (Ends) | Rahu Kalam (ET) | Gulika Kalam (ET) | Amrutakalam (ET) | Varjyam (ET) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 16 | Mon | Chaturthi SP (8:50 PM) | Bharani (7:40 PM) | Shukla (6:40 PM) | Garaja (8:50 PM) | 7:30 AM – 8:50 AM | 1:50 PM – 3:10 PM | 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM | 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM |
| Feb 17 | Tue | Panchami SP (8:10 PM) | Krittika (7:50 PM) | Brahma (6:10 PM) | Vanija (8:10 PM) | 3:10 PM – 4:30 PM | 12:30 PM – 1:50 PM | 7:00 AM – 8:30 AM | 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM |
| Feb 18 | Wed | Shashti SP (7:00 PM) | Rohini (7:40 PM) | Indra (5:00 PM) | Vishti (7:00 PM) | 12:30 PM – 1:50 PM | 11:10 AM – 12:30 PM | 8:40 AM – 10:10 AM | 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM |
| Feb 19 | Thu | Saptami SP (5:30 PM) | Mrigasira (7:00 PM) | Vaidhriti (3:30 PM) | Bava (5:30 PM) | 1:50 PM – 3:10 PM | 9:50 AM – 11:10 AM | 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM | 8:00 PM – 9:30 PM |
| Feb 20 | Fri | Ashtami SP (3:50 PM) | Ardra (6:00 PM) | Vishkambha (1:50 PM) | Kaulava (3:50 PM) | 9:50 AM – 11:10 AM | 7:30 AM – 8:50 AM | 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM | 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM |
| Feb 21 | Sat | Navami SP (2:00 PM) | Punarvasu (4:40 PM) | Priti (11:50 AM) | Taitila (2:00 PM) | 9:50 AM – 11:10 AM | 7:30 AM – 8:50 AM | 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM | 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM |
| Feb 22 | Sun | Dashami SP (12:00 PM) | Pushyami (3:00 PM) | Ayushman (9:30 AM) | Garaja (12:00 PM) | 4:30 PM – 5:50 PM | 3:10 PM – 4:30 PM | 1:20 PM – 2:50 PM | 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM |
| Feb 23 | Mon | Ekadashi SP (9:50 AM) | Ashlesha (1:00 PM) | Saubhagya (7:00 AM) | Vanija (9:50 AM) | 7:30 AM – 8:50 AM | 1:50 PM – 3:10 PM | 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM | 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM |
| Feb 24 | Tue | Dwadashi SP (7:40 AM) | Magha (11:00 AM) | Shobhana (4:30 AM) | Vishti (7:40 AM) | 3:10 PM – 4:30 PM | 12:30 PM – 1:50 PM | 7:00 AM – 8:30 AM | 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM |
| Feb 25 | Wed | Trayodashi SP (5:40 AM) | Poorva Phalguni (8:50 AM) | Atiganda (2:00 AM) | Bava (5:40 AM) | 12:30 PM – 1:50 PM | 11:10 AM – 12:30 PM | 8:40 AM – 10:10 AM | 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM |
| Feb 26 | Thu | Chaturdashi SP (3:50 AM) | Uttara Phalguni (6:40 AM) | Sukarma (11:30 PM Feb 25) | Kaulava (3:50 AM) | 1:50 PM – 3:10 PM | 9:50 AM – 11:10 AM | 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM | 8:00 PM – 9:30 PM |
| Feb 27 | Fri | Pournami (2:30 AM) | Hasta (4:40 AM) | Dhriti (9:00 PM Feb 26) | Taitila (2:30 AM) | 9:50 AM – 11:10 AM | 7:30 AM – 8:50 AM | 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM | 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM |
| Feb 28 | Sat | Pratipada KP (1:30 AM) | Chitra (3:00 AM) | Shoola (6:30 PM Feb 27) | Kaulava (1:30 AM) | 9:50 AM – 11:10 AM | 7:30 AM – 8:50 AM | 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM | 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM |
Note: “Ends” time indicates when that specific Tithi, Nakshatram, Yoga, or Karana concludes and the next one begins. Always remember that for precise Muhurthams, especially for significant life events, consulting a qualified astrologer is highly recommended.
Festivals and Auspicious Events in February 2026
February 2026, primarily falling in Magha and Phalguna Masams, brings with it a few important days for observance and celebration:
Celebrating February’s Key Telugu Festivals
- Sankashti Chaturthi: Occurs on February 1 (Krishna Paksha Chaturthi). This day is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, and observing a fast (vratam) is believed to help overcome obstacles and difficulties. Devotees break their fast after sighting the moon.
- Maha Shivaratri: Expected around February 26 (Chaturdashi, Krishna Paksha in Phalguna Masam). This is one of the most significant Hindu festivals, celebrated with immense devotion to Lord Shiva. It’s believed that Shiva performs the ‘Tandava’ cosmic dance on this night. Fasting, staying awake all night, and offering prayers to Shiva Lingam are common practices.
- Magha Purnima: Occurs on February 27 (the Full Moon of Magha Masam). This day is highly auspicious for taking a holy dip, donating, and performing spiritual rituals. It marks the end of the Magha month’s spiritual observances.
These dates offer wonderful opportunities to connect with your spiritual self and cultural heritage, even from afar.
Identifying Auspicious Muhurthams for Your Plans
Beyond festivals, you can use the Panchangam data to identify generally auspicious periods for various activities:
- Starting New Ventures: Look for Shukla Paksha Tithis (Pratipada to Dashami), combined with auspicious Nakshatrams (like Rohini, Uttarashada, Revati, Pushyami) and Yogas (Siddhi, Shubha). Ensure Rahu Kalam and Varjyam are avoided.
- Griha Pravesh (Housewarming): Requires specific Nakshatrams (Rohini, Mrigasira, Uttara Phalguni, Chitra, Swati, Anuradha, Uttarashada, Dhanishta, Revati) and auspicious Tithis. Generally avoid Krishna Paksha.
- Marriages: Highly specific Muhurthams are calculated based on the couple’s birth charts. However, generally avoid Krishna Paksha, especially Amavasya and the following Pratipada. Look for auspicious Nakshatrams and Tithis.
- Travel: While some days are better than others, avoiding Rahu Kalam is a universal recommendation for commencing journeys.
For any major life event, remember that personalized astrological consultation considering your birth chart and exact location will yield the most precise and beneficial Muhurtham.
Bridging Continents: Using the Telugu Calendar in the USA
Understanding Time Zones: IST to EST and Beyond
One of the biggest hurdles for Telugu calendar users in the USA is the time zone difference. Most traditional Panchangams are calculated for Indian Standard Time (IST). Here’s a quick guide to common USA time zones relative to IST:
- Eastern Time (ET): IST is 10.5 hours ahead of ET. So, if it’s 10:00 AM IST, it’s 11:30 PM ET the previous day.
- Central Time (CT): IST is 11.5 hours ahead of CT.
- Mountain Time (MT): IST is 12.5 hours ahead of MT.
- Pacific Time (PT): IST is 13.5 hours ahead of PT.
The tables provided here are calculated for USA Eastern Time to make it easier for a significant portion of the USA Telugu diaspora. If you are in another time zone, you’ll need to adjust accordingly. For instance, if an event starts at 10:00 AM ET, it would be 9:00 AM CT, 8:00 AM MT, and 7:00 AM PT.
More critically, lunar calculations like Tithi and Nakshatram are dependent on your local sunrise and sunset. While the Tithi *transition time* (e.g., Tithi ends at 9:30 AM ET) is relatively fixed, whether a particular Tithi is considered valid for the entire day can depend on whether it’s active at sunrise. This is where precise local calculations become vital for strict religious observances.
Beyond the Calendar: When to Consult an Expert
While this comprehensive guide provides a solid foundation, some situations warrant personalized expert advice:
- Major Life Events: Marriages, significant business launches, naming ceremonies (Namakaranam), and housewarming (Griha Pravesh) require a detailed astrological reading (Jatakam) to find the most auspicious Muhurtham tailored to the individuals involved.
- Specific Religious Rituals: Certain complex Poojas or Vratams may have highly specific timing requirements that a general calendar can’t fully capture.
- Personalized Readings: If you’re seeking guidance on career, health, relationships, or future predictions, a professional astrologer can interpret your birth chart in conjunction with the daily Panchangam.
Think of this resource as your essential daily tool, but don’t hesitate to reach out to a trusted astrologer for life’s bigger questions.
Navigating the Telugu calendar from the USA doesn’t have to be a guessing game. With this detailed breakdown of February 2026, you now have the tools to understand daily Tithis, recognize auspicious periods, and stay connected to the vibrant rhythm of Telugu cultural and spiritual life. Use this knowledge to plan your month with confidence and clarity!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ‘Tithi’ in the Telugu Calendar for February 2026?
The Tithi is a lunar day, determined by the angular distance between the Sun and Moon. For February 2026, the calendar transitions from Krishna Paksha (waning moon) to Amavasya around mid-month, then moves into Shukla Paksha (waxing moon) towards Pournami by the end of the month. Our detailed tables provide the specific Tithi for each day.
Which Telugu Masams (months) does February 2026 fall under?
February 2026 predominantly falls under the sacred Magha Masam, a period known for spiritual observances, and then transitions into Phalguna Masam, which often hosts major festivals like Maha Shivaratri.
Are the timings in the provided Telugu Calendar for February 2026 adjusted for USA time zones?
Yes, the Panchangam data and timings for Rahu Kalam, Gulika Kalam, Amrutakalam, and Varjyam in the tables are specifically adjusted for USA Eastern Time (ET). For other US time zones, you’ll need to apply the appropriate offset (e.g., subtract an hour for CT, two for MT, three for PT).
What are the major Telugu festivals in February 2026?
Key festivals in February 2026 include Sankashti Chaturthi (Feb 1), Maha Shivaratri (around Feb 26), and Magha Purnima (Feb 27). These dates are important for specific spiritual observances and celebrations.
How can I find ‘today’s Tithi’ using this calendar for February 2026?
To find ‘today’s Tithi’, simply locate the current date in the provided daily Panchangam tables. The ‘Tithi (Ends)’ column will show you the Tithi prevailing and at what time it transitions to the next one, all in USA Eastern Time.
Why is it important to know Rahu Kalam and Varjyam?
Rahu Kalam and Varjyam are specific periods within a day considered inauspicious for starting new ventures, performing important ceremonies, or making significant decisions. Avoiding these times is believed to prevent obstacles and ensure successful outcomes for your activities.
Do I need to consult an astrologer even with this detailed calendar?
While this calendar provides comprehensive general guidance, for highly significant life events like marriages, housewarmings, or business launches, consulting a qualified astrologer for a personalized Muhurtham (auspicious timing) based on your specific birth chart and exact location is always recommended for the most precise and beneficial results.