Amavasya, or the New Moon, holds great significance in Sanatan Dharma. It is considered one of the most powerful days for honoring ancestors. Devotees utilize this day for performing puja, pitru tarpan, pind daan, healing practices, releasing past traumas, and spiritual cleansing. When Amavasya falls on a Monday (Somvar), it is known as Somvati Amavasya. In June 2026, Somvati Amavasya will be observed on June 15.
Somvati Amavasya 2026: Date and Time
- Amavasya Begins: June 14, 2026, at 12:19 PM
- Amavasya Ends: June 15, 2026, at 08:23 AM
Somvati Amavasya 2026: Significance
There are 12 Amavasya observances each year, occurring once a month. Among these, some are considered highly auspicious and powerful, and Somvati Amavasya is one of them. When Amavasya falls on a Monday, it is called Somvati Amavasya. 'Som' signifies Monday, and 'Amavasya' means New Moon day. For Hindus, this day holds great religious and spiritual importance. Devotees believe that performing ancestral worship, giving charity, and engaging in spiritual activities on this day bring tranquility, prosperity, and spiritual growth. Many devotees practice Ganga Snan (holy dip in the Ganges) as the day is considered highly favorable for spiritual bathing. It is believed that immersing oneself in the Ganga River is rewarding and virtuous.
Cow Feeding on Amavasya
Have you ever noticed that your mother keeps the first chapati for the cow when preparing food? This is a daily practice in many households, especially in North India, and is also observed in other regions. On Amavasya, feeding a cow is considered highly meritorious because it is believed that all celestial beings reside in the cow, and honoring ancestors is closely linked to this act.
Crow Feeding on Amavasya
Crows are associated with Shani Dev and ancestors. Feeding crows during ancestral rituals is important because crows are considered messengers of ancestors. It is believed that food offered to crows reaches the ancestors.
Somvati Amavasya 2026: Puja Rituals
- Offer water to Surya: Wake up early in the morning and offer Arghya to Lord Surya.
- Feed Brahmins: Invite Brahmins to your home, feed them sattvik food, and offer clothes and dakshina after performing Pitru Tarpan.
- Offer water to Peepal tree: Offer sweet water (prepared by adding milk and sugar) to the Peepal tree.
- Light a diya beneath the Peepal tree: Light a diya with desi ghee and place it under the Peepal tree. It is believed that ancestors reside in the tree, so worshipping it is meritorious.
- Worship Lord Shiva: Since it is Somvati Amavasya, visit a Shiva temple and perform abhishekam to the Shivalingam. This is highly auspicious and meritorious.
- Charity/Donation: Donate food, clothes, fruits, and footwear to the needy.
