Muhurtham
Engagement Muhurtham
An engagement Muhurtham (Nichayathartham, Sagai) fixes the formal promise between the families, usually with the exchange of rings, betel leaves and clothes. The rules are lighter than for the wedding itself, but families still prefer a favourable star, a Shukla Paksha Tithi and a time outside Rahu Kalam.
- Favourable stars
- Rohini, Mrigashira, Uttara Phalguni, Hasta, Anuradha, Revati, Uttara Ashadha
- Favourable Tithis
- Dwitiya, Tritiya, Panchami, Dashami and Ekadashi
- Checked for
- Chennai
About Engagement
An engagement Muhurtham (Nichayathartham, Sagai) fixes the formal promise between the families, usually with the exchange of rings, betel leaves and clothes. The rules are lighter than for the wedding itself, but families still prefer a favourable star, a Shukla Paksha Tithi and a time outside Rahu Kalam.
Rules commonly followed
Fixed and soft stars such as Rohini, Mrigashira, Uttara Phalguni, Hasta, Anuradha and Revati are favoured. The Moon is preferred in a friendly sign for both families, and Tuesdays and Saturdays are avoided in some communities. Many families choose a Muhurtham two to six months before the wedding date.
Practical guidance
Choose a time window of at least an hour around the ring exchange, check that it avoids Yamagandam and Gulika, and confirm the date with the priest who will perform the ceremony.
The ceremony
In South India the engagement, Nichayathartham, is often held at the bride's home, where the two families exchange plates of betel leaves, fruit, turmeric and clothes and formally announce the wedding date. In the North the ring ceremony, Sagai, follows a similar spirit. A family priest reads the wedding Lagna patrika aloud so that everyone knows the auspicious time chosen.
Classical rules for Engagement
Favourable Nakshatras: Rohini, Mrigashira, Uttara Phalguni, Hasta, Anuradha, Revati, Uttara Ashadha. Favourable Tithis: Dwitiya, Tritiya, Panchami, Dashami and Ekadashi. Avoid: Rikta Tithis (Chaturthi, Navami, Chaturdashi), Amavasya.
How the dates are chosen
The list checks each day for a favourable Nakshatra and lunar day (Tithi) for this ceremony at sunrise in Chennai. A full Muhurtham also looks at the weekday, Yoga, Karana, Lagna at the ceremony time, Rahu Kalam and the personal charts of the people involved, so use the list to shortlist dates and then fix the exact time with the Muhurtham finder.
| Date | Nakshatra | Tithi |
|---|---|---|
| Fri, 30 October 2026 | Mrigashira | Panchami |
| Thu, 5 November 2026 | Uttara Phalguni | Ekadashi |
| Wed, 11 November 2026 | Anuradha | Dwitiya |
| Thu, 26 November 2026 | Mrigashira | Dwitiya |
| Thu, 3 December 2026 | Uttara Phalguni | Dashami |
| Fri, 4 December 2026 | Hasta | Ekadashi |
| Sat, 12 December 2026 | Uttara Ashadha | Tritiya |
Common questions
Which Nakshatras are good for Engagement?
The classical favourable stars for Engagement are Rohini, Mrigashira, Uttara Phalguni, Hasta, Anuradha, Revati, Uttara Ashadha.
Which Tithis are good for Engagement?
The favourable lunar days are Dwitiya, Tritiya, Panchami, Dashami and Ekadashi (counted within each fortnight).
What should be avoided for Engagement?
Classical lists advise avoiding Rikta Tithis (Chaturthi, Navami, Chaturdashi), Amavasya.
Are these dates valid for every city?
Dates are checked at sunrise in Chennai. Star and Tithi changes happen at the same moment everywhere but fall at different local times, so check the Panchangam for your city.
Do I still need a personal Muhurtham?
Yes for major ceremonies. Personal Tara Bala, Chandra Bala and the ceremony Lagna are fixed from the birth charts of the people involved.
How many dates are listed?
Up to twelve dates in the next sixty days that meet both the star and Tithi rules.
Is Rahu Kalam considered?
Rahu Kalam is a daily window rather than a whole-day rule. Avoid it when you fix the exact time; the Panchangam page for each date shows it.
Can I search other ceremonies?
Yes. The Muhurtham finder ranks dates for many more activities and lets you add your own birth details.
Why are only some upcoming dates shown?
The list shows days in the next two months where both the star and the Tithi at sunrise match the classical rules. Personal checks for your birth stars may remove some of them.
Should I avoid Rahu Kalam on these dates?
Yes. Even on a good day, choose a time outside Rahu Kalam, Yamagandam and Gulika. The Panchangam link for each date shows these windows.
Who should confirm the final engagement Muhurtham?
The priest or astrologer performing the ceremony, using the birth details of the people involved.
Can the family astrologer adjust this Muhurtham to our charts?
Yes. A general Muhurtham shows the good windows for everyone; a family astrologer then checks the birth stars and the current Dasha of the people involved and picks the best of those windows for them.
What should we do if no good date fits our plans?
Families usually choose the best available window, begin with a prayer to Ganesha and the family deity, and keep the most important moment of the rite inside a strong Lagna or Abhijit Muhurtham.