| Tithi | Shashti |
| Paksha | Shukla |
| Nakshatra | Swati |
| Yoga | Shukla |
| Karana | Taitila |
| Sunrise | 6:51 AM |
| Sunset | 8:00 PM |
| Rahu Kaal | 5:29 AM – 4:08 AM |
Guru in Karka,
Shani in Meena
Shani is currently retrograde - review, reflect, and avoid major new initiatives in their domains.
| Surya (Sun) | Simha 1.1° |
| Chandra (Moon) | Tula 10.3° |
| Mangal (Mars) | Mithuna 10.3° |
| Budha (Mercury) | Karka 21.4° |
| Guru (Jupiter) | Karka 16.5° |
| Shukra (Venus) | Kanya 17.0° |
| Shani (Saturn) | Meena 20.1° ℞ |
Auspicious Times,
Monday 17 August
Monday is governed by Chandra (Moon). Utilise Abhijit Muhurat for important decisions and avoid initiating new work during Rahu Kaal.
| Brahma Muhurat | 5:15 AM – 6:03 AM |
| Abhijit Muhurat | 1:01 AM – 1:49 AM |
| Vijay Muhurat | 2:01 AM – 2:49 AM |
| Rahu Kaal ✕ | 5:29 AM – 4:08 AM |
Last reviewed against Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra on 17 August 2026. Computed via Lahiri ayanamsha and Swiss Ephemeris build 2.10+, geocoded to Houston ($29.76°N, $-95.37°E, America/Chicago). Reviewed by VedicBirth editorial.
About Today's Panchang for Houston
The Vedic panchang for Houston, Texas, USA on 17 August 2026 reflects the sky as observed from 29.76°N, -95.37°E. Tithi (Shashti, Shukla) and nakshatra (Swati) are the two most consequential elements: tithi tracks the moon-sun angular separation and shapes ritual timing; nakshatra anchors the moon's lunar mansion and governs muhurat selection.
For Houston specifically, sunrise at 6:51 AM and sunset at 8:00 PM define the day length used to segment Rahu Kaal, Yamaganda, Gulik Kaal, and Abhijit Muhurat. These segments differ materially from generic IST-based panchangs because the sun's position is computed for the city's exact coordinates rather than a national reference point. The weekday Monday (Somvaar · Monday) carries its planetary lord's signature throughout the day, and the relevant muhurat selections track that ruler.
Today's yoga (Shukla) and karana (Taitila) provide finer-grained activity guidance: yogas favor specific activity types (devotional, mercantile, restorative), and karanas track half-tithi divisions used in muhurat astrology to select the precise hour for ceremonies, business launches, and travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is today's panchang in Houston?
Today, 17 August 2026, the panchang for Houston, Texas, USA shows tithi Shashti (Shukla), nakshatra Swati, yoga Shukla, and karana Taitila. Sunrise is at 6:51 AM and sunset at 8:00 PM local time. Rahu Kaal is 5:29 AM – 4:08 AM. Avoid major new initiatives during Rahu Kaal.
What is the timezone used for Houston panchang?
All panchang values for Houston are computed for the timezone America/Chicago, using the city coordinates (29.76°N, -95.37°E). Sunrise, sunset, and all derived muhurats reflect the actual sky as observed from Houston rather than a generic Indian Standard Time approximation.
How is the panchang for Houston calculated?
Tithi, nakshatra, yoga, and karana are computed via the Lahiri ayanamsha and the Swiss Ephemeris (build 2.10+). Sunrise and sunset use the geometric horizon corrected for atmospheric refraction at Houston's exact latitude. Rahu Kaal is segmented across the day-length using the standard Vedic 8-segment rule, weekday-mapped per BPHS Adhyaya 87.
What does Monday weekday mean in Vedic astrology?
Monday (Somvaar · Monday) is governed by Chandra (Moon). Activities aligned with that planet's karaka are favored on this weekday. Conversely, activities ruled by the planet's natural enemy are best deferred.
What is the best time for important work in Houston today?
In Houston, 17 August 2026, the most universally auspicious window is Abhijit Muhurat (1:01 AM – 1:49 AM), centered on local solar noon. Brahma Muhurat (5:15 AM – 6:03 AM) suits meditation and contemplative work. Vijay Muhurat (2:01 AM – 2:49 AM) supports victory-oriented action. Avoid Rahu Kaal (5:29 AM – 4:08 AM) for new launches.