Shani Amavasya 2026: Date, Time, Significance, and Rituals

Amavasya, or the New Moon, is considered one of the most potent days in Hindu tradition, dedicated to honoring ancestors and forefathers. This day holds immense religious and spiritual significance, with devotees performing various rituals and engaging in charitable acts. The Amavasya falling in the month of Jyeshtha is specifically known as Shani Amavasya or Shani Jayanti. In 2026, Shani Amavasya will be observed on May 16.

Amavasya in May 2026: Date and Time

The auspicious timings for Amavasya are as follows:

Amavasya Begins: May 16, 2026, at 05:11 AM
Amavasya Ends: May 17, 2026, at 01:30 AM

Significance of Amavasya in May 2026

Amavasya is a powerful day devoted to ancestors. It is considered an opportunity to perform religious and spiritual activities to appease them. Devotees visit Ganga ghats to take a holy dip in the Ganges. Additionally, this day is observed as Shani Jayanti, the birth anniversary of Lord Shani. It is an opportunity for those with Shani dosha in their birth charts to perform activities to mitigate its effects. Since Jyeshtha Amavasya falls on a Saturday, it is deemed a highly fortunate Shani Amavasya, celebrated with great devotion across India. Performing pitru tarpan and pind daan on this day is believed to bring peace to departed souls. Married Hindu women also observe Vat Savitri Vrat for their husbands' good health and longevity, primarily in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Haryana, and Punjab.

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Vat Savitri 2026: Puja Rituals

Wake up early and take a holy bath in the Ganga river.
If bathing at home, add a few drops of Ganga water to the bathwater.
Offer water to Lord Surya in the morning.
Engage in spiritual activities such as meditation, donation, mantra chanting, and worshipping Lord Shani to mitigate karmic burdens.
Light a mustard oil lamp (diya) beneath a peepal tree for rewards.