Choghadiya (also Chaughadiya) is a simple way to find good and poor times in the day. It is used widely in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and North India. The word comes from chau (four) and ghadi (a unit of 24 minutes), which is about 96 minutes. In a modern panchang the daytime and the night are each split into 8 equal parts, so each Choghadiya lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes, depending on the day length.
The seven Choghadiya
| Name | Ruler | Nature | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amrit | Moon | Very good | Any good work, puja, buying, medicine |
| Shubh | Jupiter | Good | Ceremonies, weddings, learning, housewarming |
| Labh | Mercury | Good | Business, trade, new accounts, education |
| Char | Venus | Neutral | Travel and movement, short trips |
| Udveg | Sun | Poor | Government work, official tasks only |
| Kaal | Saturn | Poor | Avoid new beginnings |
| Rog | Mars | Poor | Avoid new beginnings, fights or risky tasks |
How the order works
The seven names repeat in a fixed sequence: Udveg, Char, Labh, Amrit, Kaal, Shubh, Rog. The first Choghadiya of the day depends on the weekday (it is named after the weekday's lord): Sunday starts with Udveg, Monday with Amrit, Tuesday with Rog, Wednesday with Labh, Thursday with Shubh, Friday with Char and Saturday with Kaal. The eighth part of the day repeats the first. The night follows its own order, starting from the fifth name after the day's start.
You do not need to remember this. Our Choghadiya page lists the day and night slots for your city, and marks the one running now.
How to use Choghadiya
- For an important start, choose Amrit, Shubh or Labh.
- If a job cannot wait, use Char and avoid Udveg, Rog and Kaal.
- It is a guide for everyday tasks. For marriages and major ceremonies, a priest picks a full muhurat using the tithi, nakshatra, lagna and more.
- Some people also avoid Choghadiya at night for travel; it is a matter of family belief.
Questions people ask
Which Choghadiya is best?
Amrit is the best, followed by Shubh and Labh.
Which Choghadiya should be avoided?
Udveg, Rog and Kaal are considered poor for new beginnings.
How long does one Choghadiya last?
About 1 hour 30 minutes, depending on the length of the day or night in your city.
Is Choghadiya better than Rahu Kaal?
They are different tools. Many families check both: avoid Rahu Kaal and pick Amrit, Shubh or Labh.