Karana is half of a Tithi, meaning each Tithi has two Karanas. There are 11 Karanas in total: 4 fixed (Shakuni, Chatushpada, Naga, Kimstughna) and 7 recurring (Bava, Balava, Kaulava, Taitila, Garija, Vanija, Vishti). The recurring Karanas cycle through the tithis, while the fixed ones appear only once each lunar month. Vishti Karana (also called Bhadra) is considered inauspicious for starting new activities. Karanas influence the success of activities undertaken during their period and are an important factor in Muhurat calculations.