First sighting of the crescent moon after Amavasya — auspicious for prayers and new beginnings.

Chandra Darshan is the first sighting of the crescent moon after Amavasya, when the moon re-emerges as a thin sliver in the western sky just after sunset. In Vedic astrology Chandra governs the mind, the mother and emotional stability, and this first darshan after his disappearance is treated as an auspicious renewal. Devotees fast from sunrise and break it only after they have seen the crescent with their own eyes. The observance is particularly recommended for those with a weak or afflicted Moon in the birth chart, for anxiety and disturbed sleep, and for those seeking mental peace. Because the crescent is visible only briefly after sunset, the sighting requires a clear western horizon and some patience.

The fast begins at sunrise and is broken only after the moon has been seen. If clouds prevent sighting, the fast is broken after moonset time has passed.