What is Amavasya?

Amavasya is the new moon day, the thirtieth and final tithi of Krishna Paksha when the moon is entirely invisible. In the Amanta calendar system followed in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and South India, Amavasya marks the last day of the lunar month. The word derives from Sanskrit "ama" (together) and "vasya" (to dwell), signifying the conjunction of Sun and Moon at the same ecliptic longitude.

Amavasya holds paramount importance for Pitru Tarpan -- ritual offerings of water, sesame seeds, and kusha grass to departed ancestors. The Garuda Purana prescribes Amavasya as the day when the Pitru Loka (ancestral realm) is most accessible. Somvati Amavasya (falling on Monday) is especially potent for tarpan and peepal tree worship. Mauni Amavasya (Magha) prescribes maun vrat (vow of silence) and sacred river bathing.

Diwali falls on Kartik Amavasya, transforming the otherwise sombre new moon into the most celebrated night of the year. Shani Amavasya (Saturday) is observed with mustard oil offerings to Lord Shani. In Ayurveda, Vata dosha increases on Amavasya, so warm grounding foods and oil massage (abhyanga) are recommended.

Shani Amavasya (Amavasya falling on Saturday) is considered among the most powerful days for Saturn worship. Devotees visit Shani temples, offer mustard oil and black sesame (til), and light a sesame-oil lamp. Those undergoing Sade Sati or Shani Dhaiya find this day especially significant for remedial practices. A single Shani Amavasya puja is said to counteract months of Shani affliction.

Somvati Amavasya (Amavasya on Monday) combines the lunar significance of Monday (Somvar, ruled by the Moon) with the new moon's ancestral power. It is prescribed for the Saubhagya Vrat observed by married women, who circumambulate the peepal tree and offer water, milk, and a sacred thread. The Skanda Purana holds that a single Somvati Amavasya puja equals the merit of a thousand Amavasyas. In 2026, check the table below to identify which Amavasyas fall on Saturday or Monday.

While Amavasya is traditionally considered inauspicious for starting new ventures, it is regarded as deeply powerful for meditation and introspective practices. The absence of moonlight is said to support deeper states of consciousness. The table below lists all Amavasya dates for the current year with the prevailing Hindu month and any special significance.