show a peak at smaller $\alpha$ values. Defining $\alpha$ $\leq$ 18$^{\circ}$ as the $\gamma$–ray domain and 27$^{\circ}$ $\leq$ $\alpha$ $\leq$ 81$^{\circ}$ as the background region, the number of $\gamma$-ray events is then calculated by subtracting the expected number of background events (calculated on the basis of background region) from the $\gamma$–ray domain events. The statistical significance of $\gamma$–ray like events is calculated using the methodology proposed by Li and Ma [@LiMa83].

In order to validate the proper functioning of the telescope and the data analysis methodology, we are collecting data on the Crab Nebula regularly. Although, during the observing season 2012-2013, the Crab Nebula was observed with $TACTIC$ right from November 2012 onwards, we present here, as a representative example, the results of our observations for approximately 11.33 h only, which were carried out from March 1, 2013 to March 13, 2013. The main purpose of doing this is to compare the results of the Crab Nebula observations with that of 1ES1218+304. There is an overlap of 6 nights when both the Crab Nubula and 1ES1218+304 have been observed one after the other. Figure 1(a) gives the $\alpha$–distribution when the data collected on the Crab Nebula for 11.33 h is 