Amavasya

2026 Amavasya Dates

January 18, 2026, Sunday

Magha Amavasya

Begins - 01:33 PM, Jan 17

Ends - 02:51 PM, Jan 18

February 17, 2026, Tuesday

Phalguna Amavasya

Begins - 07:04 AM, Feb 16

Ends - 07:00 AM, Feb 17

March 18, 2026, Wednesday

Chaitra Amavasya

Begins - 10:55 PM, Mar 17

Ends - 09:22 PM, Mar 18

April 17, 2026, Friday

Vaishakha Amavasya

Begins - 10:41 AM, Apr 16

Ends - 07:51 AM, Apr 17

May 16, 2026, Saturday

Jyeshtha Amavasya

Begins - 07:41 PM, May 15

Ends - 04:00 PM, May 16

June 14, 2026, Sunday

Jyeshtha Adhika Amavasya

Begins - 02:49 AM, Jun 14

Ends - 10:53 PM, Jun 14

July 14, 2026, Tuesday

Ashadha Amavasya

Begins - 09:19 AM, Jul 13

Ends - 05:42 AM, Jul 14

August 12, 2026, Wednesday

Shravana Amavasya

Begins - 04:22 PM, Aug 11

Ends - 01:36 PM, Aug 12

September 10, 2026, Thursday

Bhadrapada Amavasya

Begins - 01:03 AM, Sep 10

Ends - 11:26 PM, Sep 10

October 10, 2026, Saturday

Ashwina Amavasya

Begins - 12:05 PM, Oct 09

Ends - 11:49 AM, Oct 10

November 8, 2026, Sunday

Kartika Amavasya

Begins - 12:57 AM, Nov 08

Ends - 02:01 AM, Nov 09

December 8, 2026, Tuesday

Margashirsha Amavasya

Significance of Amavasya

Amavasya is considered a powerful spiritual day across India. Many rituals, worship practices, and observances are performed specifically on this tithi.

1. Day for Ancestor Worship (Pitru Tarpan & Shradh)

• It is believed that ancestors (Pitru) visit the earth during Amavasya.
• Devotees offer Tarpan, Pind Daan, and Shradh for peace and blessings from forefathers.
• This practice is believed to remove family obstacles and bring prosperity.

2. Important for Spiritual Progress

• Many people observe Amavasya Vrat (fast) for positive energy, progress, and protection.
• Prayers and charity performed on this day are believed to have multiple benefits.

3. Suitable for Certain Special Rituals

• Kaal Sarp Dosha Puja is often performed on Amavasya.
• The day is also used for performing specific remedies related to planetary imbalances.

4. Associated Deity

• Amavasya is often dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva, depending on regional traditions.

5. Considered a Powerful Energetic Day

Some believe that the strong cosmic energies on Amavasya can impact both the mind and body, making it a significant day for prayers, cleansing, and spiritual practices.

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Benefits of Observing Amavasya

• Protects women from widowhood (as believed traditionally)
• Ensures progeny and family well-being
• Strengthens blessings from ancestors
• Brings peace, prosperity, and removes negative influences
• Supports emotional and spiritual purification

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Types of Amavasya

1.  Paush Amavasya

2.  Mauni (Magha) Amavasya

3.  Hariyali Amavasya

4.  Somvati Amavasya

5.  Margashirsha Amavasya

Each has unique rituals and cultural importance depending on region and tradition.

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Amavasya Rituals

Amavasya is traditionally considered the darkest night of the month, and therefore a day requiring spiritual caution and purity.

Common Ritual Practices

• Taking a holy bath early in the morning
• Offering water and prayers to ancestors
• Fasting for the entire day (Amavasya Vrat)
• Worship of Lord Shiva or Lord Vishnu
• Reciting Amavasya Vrat Katha
• Avoiding travel or beginning new tasks
• Lighting lamps to dispel negativity

Many devotees believe that avoiding negative actions, conflicts, and travel during Amavasya helps maintain mental and spiritual balance.

Belief About Energies

It is said that negative energies may be stronger on the Amavasya night, which is why:

• Some avoid stepping out late
• Tantric rituals are believed to be performed by certain practitioners
• Many people increase spiritual practices to stay protected

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Story (Katha) Associated With Amavasya

A popular story highlights the power of Amavasya fasting and devotion:

Long ago, a poor Brahmin lived with his wife and daughter. The daughter was beautiful, intelligent, and virtuous but remained unmarried due to the family’s poverty.
One day, a sage visited their home and was impressed by the girl’s devotion but revealed that her palm lines showed no sign of marriage.

At the request of the parents, the sage meditated and explained that serving a noble woman named Sona Dhobin and using a bit of the vermillion from her forehead would change the girl’s destiny.

The girl began secretly serving Sona Dhobin by completing household chores early in the morning. When Sona discovered the truth, she blessed the girl and shared her sindoor.

On Somvati Amavasya, after performing 108 circumambulations and water rituals around a Peepal tree, the washerwoman’s husband—who was critically ill—miraculously recovered.

Seeing this divine event, the Brahmin girl’s luck changed as well. Her marriage prospects opened, fulfilling the prophecy.
Thus, fasting and performing rituals on Somvati Amavasya became widely popular for marital harmony, longevity, and blessings.

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How to Observe Amavasya Vrat (Fasting Procedure)

Before Sunrise

• Wake up early
• Take a ritual bath
• Offer prayers to Lord Vishnu or Lord Shiva

During the Day

• Maintain a strict fast (no food, in many traditions)
• Avoid onion, garlic, and tamasic foods
• Read or listen to Amavasya Vrat Katha
• Perform Tarpan and Shradh rituals

Breaking the Fast

• The fast is usually broken the next morning after completing prayers

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Food Guidelines

• No onion, no garlic
• Many devotees consume only:
• Water
• Fruits
• Milk
• Simple sattvic foods

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Auspicious/Important Notes (Do’s & Don’ts)

Do’s

• Wake up before sunrise
• Bathe and wear clean clothes
• Worship Lord Shiva or Lord Vishnu
• Perform ancestor rituals
• Meditate and chant mantras
• Offer charity and help the poor

Don’ts

• Avoid starting new ventures
• Avoid arguments or negative actions
• Avoid consuming meat, onion, garlic, or alcohol
• Avoid traveling at night, if possible
• Avoid cutting nails or hair on this day (traditional belief)

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Date & Timing

• Amavasya falls once every lunar month
• Example: Vaishakh Krishna Amavasya
• Specific timing varies each month as per the Hindu Panchang