In Hinduism, Amavasya holds profound importance as the New Moon day. This sacred occasion focuses entirely on honoring ancestors and forefathers. Each month, the Amavasya Tithi gets determined through the daily Hindu Panchang, marking a time for reflection and spiritual practices.
What Makes Amavasya Special?
Amavasya stands out as a day dedicated to ancestral reverence. People across India observe this day with various religious activities that connect them with their lineage and spiritual roots.
Auspicious and Inauspicious Activities
Tradition considers it unfortunate to perform certain ceremonies during Amavasya. These include Griha Pravesh (housewarming), Mundan (first haircut), marriages, and engagements. Instead, the day favors religious rituals that bring spiritual benefits.
Many consider Amavasya fortunate for specific practices. These include bathing in sacred rivers like the Ganga, performing hawan (fire rituals), feeding Brahmins, engaging in almsgiving, and praying to ancestors through pitru tarpan, pitru puja, and pind daan.
Popular Amavasya Festivities
Several Amavasya celebrations hold special significance in Hindu culture. Among the most popular are Mauni Amavasya, Somvati Amavasya, Shanichari Amavasya, Kartik Amavasya, Mahalaya Amavasya (also called Sarva Pitri Amavasya), Hariyali Amavasya, and Vat Amavasya. Each carries unique traditions and regional importance.
Astrological Perspective on Amavasya
Astrology does not view Amavasya as a particularly powerful day. This stems from its dedication to the Moon, which enters its waning phase during this period. For individuals with the Moon in an unfavorable position in their natal birth chart, this phase can prove challenging.
The Moon's position significantly influences mood, sentiments, and emotions. When poorly placed, its effects intensify during Amavasya. People might experience low energy or general discomfort on this specific day.
Remedies for Moon's Effects
To counter the Moon's negative influences, several remedies exist alongside religious rituals. Performing hawan dedicated to ancestors remains a common practice. Additional solutions focus on minimizing the Moon's adverse impacts.
If your birth chart shows the Moon in an unfavorable position, consider these approaches. Worship Lord Shiva, as tradition holds that only Shiva can shield devotees from the Moon's harmful effects. In the evening, after sighting the moon, offer water to it as part of your spiritual practice.
Amavasya Calendar for 2026
Planning your observances becomes easier with this complete 2026 Amavasya schedule. Mark these dates and timings for your spiritual activities throughout the year.
Monthly Amavasya Dates and Timings
Magha Amavasya
- Date: January 18, 2026
- Amavasya Tithi Begins: January 18, 2026 at 12:03 AM
- Amavasya Tithi Ends: January 19, 2026 at 01:21 AM
Phalguna Amavasya
- Date: February 17, 2026
- Amavasya Tithi Begins: February 16, 2026 at 05:34 PM
- Amavasya Tithi Ends: February 17, 2026 at 05:30 PM
Chaitra Amavasya
- Date: March 18, 2026
- Amavasya Tithi Begins: March 18, 2026 at 08:25 AM
- Amavasya Tithi Ends: March 19, 2026 at 06:52 AM
Vaishakha Amavasya
- Date: April 17, 2026
- Amavasya Tithi Begins: April 16, 2026 at 08:11 PM
- Amavasya Tithi Ends: April 17, 2026 at 05:21 PM
Jyeshtha Amavasya
- Date: May 16, 2026
- Amavasya Tithi Begins: May 16, 2026 at 05:11 AM
- Amavasya Tithi Ends: May 17, 2026 at 01:30 AM
Ashadha Amavasya
- Date: June 14, 2026
- Amavasya Tithi Begins: June 14, 2026 at 12:19 PM
- Amavasya Tithi Ends: June 15, 2026 at 08:23 AM
Shravana Amavasya
- Date: July 15, 2026
- Amavasya Tithi Begins: July 13, 2026 at 06:49 PM
- Amavasya Tithi Ends: July 14, 2026 at 03:12 PM
Bhadrapada Amavasya
- Date: August 12, 2026
- Amavasya Tithi Begins: August 12, 2026 at 01:52 AM
- Amavasya Tithi Ends: August 12, 2026 at 11:06 PM
Ashwina Amavasya
- Date: September 10, 2026
- Amavasya Tithi Begins: September 10, 2026 at 10:33 AM
- Amavasya Tithi Ends: September 11, 2026 at 08:56 AM
Kartik Amavasya
- Date: October 10, 2026
- Amavasya Tithi Begins: October 9, 2026 at 09:35 PM
- Amavasya Tithi Ends: October 10, 2026 at 09:19 PM
Margashirsha Amavasya
- Date: November 8, 2026
- Amavasya Tithi Begins: November 8, 2026 at 11:27 AM
- Amavasya Tithi Ends: November 9, 2026 at 12:31 PM
Pausha Amavasya
- Date: December 8, 2026
- Amavasya Tithi Begins: December 8, 2026 at 04:12 AM
- Amavasya Tithi Ends: December 9, 2026 at 06:21 AM
Remember these dates as you plan your spiritual observances for the coming year. Whether performing rituals or seeking remedies, Amavasya offers a meaningful connection to tradition and ancestry.
