Amavasya Significance & Spiritual Meaning
Amavasya is the new moon day in the Hindu lunar calendar. It is dedicated to ancestors (Pitrus). Fasting and shraddha/tarpan are performed for the peace of departed souls. Diwali falls on Kartik Amavasya.
Amavasya Mythology & Legend
According to the Garuda Purana, Amavasya is favoured by the Pitrus. Offering tarpan and shraddha on this day is believed to satisfy ancestors and grant their blessings. Donating to the needy in their name is also meritorious.
Amavasya Puja Rituals & Vidhi
- Observe a partial or full fast; bathe in a sacred river if possible.
- Perform tarpan (water offering) and shraddha for ancestors.
- Donate food, clothes, or money to Brahmins or the needy in ancestors' name.
- Chant Pitru mantras; offer black sesame and rice during tarpan.
Amavasya Mantras in Sanskrit
ॐ पितृभ्यः नमः
oṃ pitṛbhyaḥ namaḥ
Salutations to the ancestors
Amavasya Traditional Foods & Prasad
- ●Sattvic meal after rituals
- ●No onion or garlic in some traditions
Amavasya Regional Celebrations across India
Pan-India(अमावस्या)
Ancestor worship, tarpan
North India(अमावस्या व्रत)
Pitru tarpan, black sesame
Amavasya Do's & Don't's
Do's
- ✓Perform tarpan and shraddha
- ✓Donate in ancestors' name
- ✓Observe fast
- ✓Respect elders
Don'ts
- ✗Do not neglect ancestor rites
- ✗Avoid starting auspicious work in some beliefs
- ✗Do not disrespect the dead
Amavasya — Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Amavasya?
- Amavasya is the new moon day in the Hindu lunar calendar.
- When is Amavasya 2026?
- In 2026, Amavasya falls on சனி, 16 மே, 2026.
- What are the Amavasya puja rituals?
- Observe a partial or full fast; bathe in a sacred river if possible.; Perform tarpan (water offering) and shraddha for ancestors.; Donate food, clothes, or money to Brahmins or the needy in ancestors' name.; Chant Pitru mantras; offer black sesame and rice during tarpan.
- What to eat on Amavasya?
- Sattvic meal after rituals, No onion or garlic in some traditions
- What should you do on Amavasya?
- Perform tarpan and shraddha; Donate in ancestors' name; Observe fast
- What should you avoid on Amavasya?
- Do not neglect ancestor rites; Avoid starting auspicious work in some beliefs; Do not disrespect the dead
- Which deity is worshipped on Amavasya?
- Amavasya is dedicated to Pitrus.
Upcoming Amavasya Dates in 2026, 2027 & Beyond
Amavasya is a sacred Hindu festival observed on the tithi shown. Dates are calculated from the Panchang for your region.
Times shown for New Delhi, India (IST)
| Date | Day | Moonrise Time | Special Name |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 மே, 2026 | சனி | 04:36 am | — |
| 15 ஜூன், 2026 | திங்கள் | 05:05 am | — |
| 14 ஜூலை, 2026 | செவ்வாய் | 05:02 am | — |
| 12 ஆக., 2026 | புதன் | 05:03 am | — |
| 11 செப்., 2026 | வெள்ளி | 06:02 am | — |
| 10 அக்., 2026 | சனி | 05:49 am | — |
| 9 நவ., 2026 | திங்கள் | 06:35 am | — |
| 8 டிச., 2026 | செவ்வாய் | 06:24 am | — |
| 7 ஜன., 2027 | வியாழன் | 06:55 am | — |
| 6 பிப்., 2027 | சனி | 06:52 am | — |
| 8 மார்., 2027 | திங்கள் | 06:24 am | — |
| 6 ஏப்., 2027 | செவ்வாய் | 05:23 am | — |
| 6 மே, 2027 | வியாழன் | 05:03 am | — |
| 4 ஜூன், 2027 | வெள்ளி | 04:26 am | — |
| 4 ஜூலை, 2027 | ஞாயிறு | 05:17 am | — |