Amavasya is the new moon day — the darkest day of the lunar month. It is especially sacred for ancestor (Pitru) worship. Offerings made on Amavasya reach the ancestors and earn their blessings.
Fasting Rules
1.Take a sacred bath (preferably in a river)
2.Perform Tarpan (water offering to ancestors)
3.Light a sesame oil lamp for ancestors
4.Donate food to poor or feed crows (Pitru messengers)
5.Avoid auspicious new beginnings on this day
Benefits
✓Placates ancestors and earns their blessings
✓Removes Pitru Dosha effects
✓Brings peace to departed souls
✓Grants prosperity to the family
✓Mahalaya Amavasya is the most powerful for Pitru rites
2026 Dates
Magha AmavasyaThu, 29 Jan
Phalguna AmavasyaFri, 27 Feb
Chaitra AmavasyaSun, 29 Mar
Vaishakha AmavasyaMon, 27 Apr
Mahalaya Amavasya / SarvapitriMon, 21 Sept
Kartik Amavasya / DiwaliTue, 20 Oct
Margashirsha AmavasyaWed, 18 Nov
Pausha AmavasyaFri, 18 Dec