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ASTROYANA

Amavasya (new moon)

Amavasya

Amavasya, the new-moon day, closes each lunar month. The darkest day is given above all to the ancestors (pitru), to tarpana and shraddha, and to introspection rather than celebration.

Amavasya dates in 2026

Computed for Ujjain on the sunrise-prevailing tithi (the Smarta convention); a regional day can shift by one.

Amavasya

The Moon on every Amavasya — Amavasya (new moon).

  • AmavasyaSun 18 Jan
    MoonMagha (purnimanta)
  • AmavasyaTue 17 Feb
    MoonPhalguna (purnimanta)
  • AmavasyaThu 19 Mar
    MoonChaitra (purnimanta)
  • AmavasyaFri 17 Apr
    MoonVaishakha (purnimanta)
  • AmavasyaSat 16 May
    MoonJyeshtha (purnimanta)
  • AmavasyaMon 15 Jun
    MoonJyeshtha (purnimanta)
  • AmavasyaTue 14 Jul
    MoonAshadha (purnimanta)
  • AmavasyaWed 12 Aug
    MoonShravana (purnimanta)
  • AmavasyaFri 11 Sep
    MoonBhadrapada (purnimanta)
  • AmavasyaSat 10 Oct
    MoonAshwina (purnimanta)
  • AmavasyaMon 9 Nov
    MoonKartika (purnimanta)
  • AmavasyaTue 8 Dec
    MoonMargashirsha (purnimanta)

Significance

With the Moon unseen, the day turns inward and toward the departed; rites for the ancestors performed on Amavasya are held especially fruitful. Some Amavasyas, including Mauni, Mahalaya and the Diwali Amavasya, are major observances.

How Amavasya is kept

Many keep a fast and perform tarpana for the ancestors, bathe in sacred rivers, give in charity, and avoid beginning new ventures on the day.

FAQ

Why is Amavasya linked to ancestors?

The new-moon day is traditionally given to the pitru (ancestors); tarpana and shraddha performed then are believed especially effective.

Are new ventures begun on Amavasya?

Generally, no. The dark day is for remembrance and inward practice rather than auspicious starts.

Which Amavasyas are most important?

Mauni Amavasya (Magha), Mahalaya/Sarva Pitru Amavasya (Ashwin) and the Diwali Amavasya (Kartik).

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