Amavasya, the last day of the Krishna Paksha, holds great importance in Hinduism. On this day, the Moon is not visible in the sky. Each year, there are 12 Amavasyas, one in every lunar month. Amavasya is considered highly auspicious for performing rituals related to ancestors (Pitru), including Pitru dosh remedies, worship, and Shraddha. According to traditional beliefs, ancestors visit the Earth on this day, and receiving their blessings brings peace, prosperity, and harmony into one’s life.
Religious Significance of Amavasya
On Amavasya, special importance is given to offering prayers to ancestors, performing Shraddha, and worshipping Lord Shiva, Goddess Lakshmi, and Goddess Kali. It is believed that on this day, ancestors come close to their family members, and expressing devotion and respect toward them grants their blessings. Performing rituals and prayers on Amavasya is said to remove scarcity and bring abundance, wealth, and well-being.
Donating food, clothes, and money in the name of ancestors on this day is also considered highly virtuous. Such offerings help maintain prosperity in the family and please the departed souls. Amavasya is regarded as an ideal occasion to free oneself from ancestral debts (Pitru Rina). Additionally, rituals like tarpan, japa, meditation, and special puja performed on this day are believed to bring peace, positivity, and happiness into one’s life.
Amavasya Date List 2026
| Month | Day | Amavasya Date | Date Begins | Date Ends |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Sunday | 18 January | 12:03 AM, January 18 | 01:21 AM, January 19 |
| February | Tuesday | 17 February | 05:34 PM, February 16 | 05:30 PM, February 17 |
| March | Wednesday | 18 March | 08:25 AM, March 18 | 06:52 AM, March 19 |
| April | Friday | 17 April | 08:11 PM, April 16 | 05:21 PM, April 17 |
| May | Saturday | 16 May | 05:11 AM, May 16 | 01:30 AM, May 17 |
| June | Sunday | 14 June | 12:19 PM, June 14 | 08:23 AM, June 15 |
| July | Tuesday | 14 July | 06:49 PM, July 13 | 03:12 PM, July 14 |
| August | Wednesday | 12 August | 01:52 AM, August 12 | 11:06 PM, August 12 |
| September | Thursday | 10 September | 10:33 AM, September 10 | 08:56 AM, September 11 |
| October | Saturday | 10 October | 09:35 PM, October 09 | 09:19 PM, October 10 |
| November | Sunday | 8 November | 11:27 AM, November 08 | 12:31 PM, November 09 |
| December | Tuesday | 8 December | 04:12 AM, December 08 | 06:21 AM, December 09 |
Special Amavasya Days
The significance of Amavasya increases when it falls on certain weekdays. When Amavasya occurs on a Monday, it is known as Somvati Amavasya, which is considered highly auspicious. If it falls on a Tuesday, it is called Bhaumvati Amavasya, and when it occurs on a Saturday, it is known as Shani Amavasya, which is believed to bring the blessings of Lord Shani. Observing fasts and performing rituals on these special Amavasya days is said to offer even greater spiritual benefits.
Practices Observed on Amavasya
- Shraddh and Tarpan:
Performing Shraddha and offering Tarpan for ancestors on Amavasya is considered especially powerful. These rituals help one gain freedom from ancestral debts and bring peace and harmony to the household. - Charity and Worship:
Donating food, clothes, or money on Amavasya in the name of ancestors is believed to satisfy their souls and bring prosperity to the family. Worshipping Lord Shiva and Goddess Lakshmi on this day is also said to ensure happiness and peace at home. - Meditation and Spiritual Practice:
Engaging in meditation, sadhana, and mantra chanting on Amavasya helps cultivate mental peace and positive energy, bringing balance to one’s life. - Holy Bath:
Taking a bath in a river or sacred water body on Amavasya is considered highly meritorious and is believed to bring peace, purity, and well-being.
