Tuesday, 18 August 2026, brings a rare overlap of three religious observances for devotees, the weekly fast dedicated to Hanuman, the third Mangala Gauri vrat of the Sawan month, and Kalki Jayanti, marking the birth anniversary of Lord Vishnu's tenth incarnation. According to the panchang, today falls on Shashthi tithi during the Shukla Paksha of Sawan, with Swati nakshatra and Taitil karan in effect, while Shukla yog governs the day. The direction to avoid for travel, or disha shool, is north today, so the panchang advises caution before setting out that way.
Why These Two Vrats Matter
The Tuesday fast is associated with Hanuman and Mars, and observing it is believed to build courage, strengthen self-confidence and shield devotees from misfortune. Mangala Gauri vrat, on the other hand, is tied to marital happiness and lasting good fortune, a tradition that has devotees worshipping the Gauri form of Goddess Parvati on every Tuesday through Sawan. Married women in particular keep this fast praying for their husband's long life, a happy married life and overall family wellbeing, and in several regions newly married women observe it with special devotion.
Sunrise, Sunset and Moon Timings
The sun will rise at 6:08 am and set at 6:53 pm today, while the moon rises at 11:12 am and sets at 10:26 pm. In terms of planetary positions, the sun remains placed in Magha nakshatra through the day while the moon transits through Swati nakshatra.
Tithi, Nakshatra, Karan and Yog
- Tithi: Shashthi tithi lasts until 5:50 pm, after which Saptami tithi begins
- Nakshatra: Swati nakshatra continues through the entire night
- Karan: Taitil karan runs until 5:50 pm, followed by Gar karan for the rest of the night
- Yog: Shukla yog remains in effect until 3:23 am on 19 August, after which Brahma yog takes over
How the Tuesday Fast and Hanuman Puja Are Observed
This third Mangala Gauri vrat of Sawan coincides with the regular Tuesday fast. Mars is regarded as the commander of the planets, and since the day is dedicated to Hanuman, worshipping him with proper rituals is believed to strengthen a weak Mars in one's horoscope and ease life's troubles. The ritual typically begins with a morning bath and fresh clothes, followed by offering vermillion, jasmine oil, red flowers and bhog to an idol or picture of Hanuman, then reciting the Hanuman Chalisa and performing aarti. Many families also observe restraint and stick to a simple, sattvic diet through the day of the fast.
What an Afflicted Mars Means in Astrology
Astrology holds that a person with a weak or afflicted Mars in their birth chart can face anger issues, disputes or obstacles in their work. This is precisely why the Tuesday fast and Hanuman worship are counted among the key astrological remedies used to pacify Mars.
Auspicious Timings for Today
- Brahma muhurat: 4:26 am to 5:09 am
- Abhijit muhurat: 11:59 am to 12:52 pm
- Vijay muhurat: 2:36 pm to 3:29 pm
- Godhuli muhurat: 6:58 pm to 7:20 pm
- Amrit kaal: 9:19 pm to 11:02 pm
- Nishita muhurat: 12:04 am to 12:48 am on 19 August
- Shivvas: Lord Shiva remains seated on Nandi until 5:50 pm, and is at his meal thereafter
Inauspicious Periods, Including Rahukaal
- Rahukaal: 3:42 pm to 5:20 pm
- Yamgand: 9:09 am to 10:47 am
- Gulik kaal: 12:26 pm to 2:04 pm
- Durmuhurat: 8:30 am to 9:22 am
- Varjya: 11:00 am to 12:43 pm
Devotees are generally advised to avoid starting new or auspicious tasks during these inauspicious windows, while the muhurats listed above are considered suitable for worship and other mangalik activities.
