The final new moon day of the year 2025 holds special significance for millions across India. Paush Amavasya, a day dedicated to ancestral reverence and spiritual cleansing, is set to be observed on Tuesday, 16th December 2025. This day marks the concluding Amavasya of the calendar year and falls within the Paush month of the Hindu lunar calendar, a period considered highly auspicious for performing tarpan and other sacred rituals.
Exact Timings and Muhurat for Paush Amavasya 2025
Adhering to the precise Muhurat, or auspicious window, is considered crucial for performing rituals on Amavasya. For Paush Amavasya in 2025, the Amavasya Tithi begins a day prior and extends into the day of observance.
The Amavasya Tithi starts at 08:01 AM on Monday, 15th December 2025. It then continues for the entirety of the next day, concluding at 09:11 AM on Wednesday, 17th December 2025. However, the primary day for observance, when most devotees will perform their rituals, is Tuesday, 16th December 2025.
For those planning to perform the vital Pitru Tarpan (offerings to ancestors), the most auspicious time is during the afternoon. The recommended Kutup Muhurat is from 11:57 AM to 12:45 PM. Following this, the Rohina Muhurat lasts from 12:45 PM to 01:33 PM. The broader period for performing rituals, known as the Apaharan Kaal, extends from 01:33 PM to 03:56 PM on the 16th of December.
Spiritual Significance and Traditional Rituals
Paush Amavasya is deeply woven into the fabric of Hindu spiritual practices. It is primarily a day dedicated to remembering and paying homage to one's ancestors, known as Pitrus. Performing Shradh, Tarpan, and Pind Daan on this day is believed to appease the souls of departed forefathers, seeking their blessings for peace, prosperity, and the removal of obstacles from one's life.
Beyond ancestral rites, this day is considered supremely powerful for other spiritual pursuits. Many devotees take a holy dip in sacred rivers like the Ganga, Yamuna, or Godavari, especially at pilgrimage sites such as Prayagraj, Haridwar, and Nashik. This act, performed during the auspicious Paush month, is said to wash away sins and purify the soul.
Charity, or Dan-Punya, holds great merit on this day. Donating food, clothes, and essential items to the needy is a common practice. Furthermore, Paush Amavasya is an excellent day for:
- Initiating spiritual practices (Sadhna) related to ancestral peace.
- Performing Havan or Yagya for overall well-being.
- Chanting mantras dedicated to Lord Shiva or performing Rudrabhishek.
- Observing a fast for the peace and salvation of ancestors' souls.
Why This Amavasya is Considered Unique
The occurrence of Paush Amavasya in December 2025 carries its own set of astrological and seasonal connotations. Falling in the heart of winter, it is a time for introspection and inner spiritual work. The Paush month is traditionally associated with austerity and devotion, making its Amavasya a potent day for letting go of the old—both materially and karmically—and preparing for a new cycle.
For those following the solar calendar, this period also aligns with the Dhanurmas, another sacred month. The combination of these factors amplifies the spiritual energy of the day. It serves as a powerful reminder to honor one's roots and cleanse one's karmic ledger before stepping into the new year.
In summary, Paush Amavasya on 16th December 2025 is not just another new moon day. It is a significant spiritual junction offering a sacred opportunity for ancestral reverence, personal purification, and charitable deeds. By observing the rituals within the prescribed Muhurat timings, devotees believe they can secure the blessings of their forefathers and pave the way for a harmonious and prosperous future.
