Amavasya 2026: Dates, Significance and Rituals
Complete guide to all Amavasya (new moon) dates in 2026, including Sarva Pitru Amavasya, Diwali Amavasya, Mauni Amavasya, and Vat Savitri Amavasya. Learn rituals for Pitru Tarpan and ancestor blessings.
2026 Amavasya Calendar
- January 29: Mauni Amavasya (silence observance, Magh bathing)
- February 27: Maha Shivratri Amavasya
- May 27: Vat Savitri Amavasya (married women fast)
- July 24: Hariyali Amavasya (Shravan, tree planting)
- September 19: Sarva Pitru Amavasya (most important for ancestors)
- October 21: Diwali Amavasya (Lakshmi Puja)
- December 19: Shani Amavasya (Saturday)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Amavasya and why is it important in Hinduism?
Amavasya is the new moon (no-moon) day in the Hindu lunar calendar, falling on the 30th tithi of the dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha). It is the most important day for Pitru Tarpan (ancestral offerings), Shiva worship, and tantra sadhana. The thinning of the veil between the living and ancestors makes this day spiritually potent for honoring departed souls. In 2026, Amavasya falls monthly and includes important sub-types: Mauni Amavasya (Jan 29), Vat Savitri Amavasya (May 26), Hariyali Amavasya (Jul 24), and Sarva Pitru Amavasya (Sep 19).
What are all Amavasya dates in 2026?
2026 Amavasya dates: January 29 (Mauni Amavasya), February 27 (Maha Shivratri coincides), March 29, April 27, May 27 (Vat Savitri Amavasya), June 25, July 24 (Hariyali Amavasya), August 23, September 19 (Sarva Pitru Amavasya, Pitru Paksha end), October 21 (Diwali Amavasya), November 20, December 19. The most sacred are: Diwali Amavasya (Lakshmi Puja) and Sarva Pitru Amavasya.
What is Sarva Pitru Amavasya 2026?
Sarva Pitru Amavasya 2026 falls on September 19 (Saturday). This is the final day of Pitru Paksha (16-day ancestral fortnight) and the most important Amavasya of the year for ancestor worship. On this day, Shradh and Tarpan can be performed for all ancestors simultaneously, making it especially powerful for those who do not know the exact death date of their ancestors. Saturday + Amavasya creates a double Shani-Pitru combination ideal for removing Pitru Dosha.
What is Diwali Amavasya 2026 and when is it?
Diwali Amavasya 2026: October 21 (Wednesday). This is the most celebrated Amavasya in the Hindu calendar. Lakshmi Puja is performed on this night, with diyas and lights symbolizing prosperity welcoming the Goddess. The tradition is that Lakshmi visits homes that are clean, lit, and filled with devotion. In the morning: Pitru Tarpan. In the evening: Lakshmi Puja. The Wednesday + Amavasya combination is especially good for commerce and financial planning.
What is Mauni Amavasya 2026?
Mauni Amavasya 2026: January 29. Maun means silence. On Mauni Amavasya, devotees observe complete silence (Maun Vrat) for the entire day, engaging only in spiritual practices. This Amavasya falls during Magh month, and bathing at a sacred confluence (Sangam/Triveni) on this day is considered equivalent to all pilgrimages. Jupiter in Taurus (11th house for Mithun, strong position) and Saturn in Aquarius make 2026 Mauni Amavasya spiritually potent.
What are Vat Savitri Amavasya and Hariyali Amavasya 2026?
Vat Savitri Amavasya 2026: May 27. Married women observe a fast for their husbands longevity, worship the Banyan tree (Vat), and tie threads around it. Savitri rescued her husband Satyavan from Yama on this day. Hariyali Amavasya 2026: July 24. Falls in Shravan month. Hariyali (greenery) Amavasya is associated with Lord Shiva. Women plant trees and gardens. Farmers perform rituals for good crops. This Amavasya also falls during Chaturmas (July 17-Nov 22).
What should be done on Amavasya for Pitru Dosha?
Amavasya remedies for Pitru Dosha: Perform Pitru Tarpan by offering water mixed with black sesame seeds (kala til) to ancestors three times, facing south. Feed crows (considered ancestors messengers in Hinduism). Feed a cow (gau mata) with roti and jaggery. Donate food, black sesame seeds, and dark-colored items to Brahmins. Light a sesame-oil lamp under a Peepal tree. Recite Pitru Stotram and Narayan Kavach. These practices on every Amavasya gradually reduce Pitru Dosha effects.
What should be avoided on Amavasya?
Things to avoid on Amavasya: Do not start new auspicious work (no marriage, griha pravesh, mundan, business launches). Avoid non-vegetarian food out of respect for ancestors. Avoid major purchases in some traditions. Do not cut hair or nails on Amavasya (some traditions). Avoid late-night outdoor activities. The new moon means reduced positive energy for new beginnings, but maximum energy for ancestral work, Shiva puja, and tantra sadhana.
Is Amavasya good for worship and meditation?
Amavasya is excellent for certain spiritual practices: Shiva Puja is most powerful on Amavasya nights (Nishiith Rudra Abhishek). Kali Puja is traditionally performed on Amavasya. Deep meditation and pranayama are enhanced by the absence of moonlight. Mantra chanting, especially for Saturn (Shani) and Ketu, amplifies on this day. Tantra sadhana is considered especially potent. However, Amavasya is not ideal for outer-world activities or new beginnings requiring lunar energy.
Which Amavasya in 2026 is best for ancestral blessings?
2026 Amavasya ranking for ancestral blessings: 1st: Sarva Pitru Amavasya (Sep 19) - the universal ancestor day. 2nd: Mauni Amavasya (Jan 29) - Magh bathing and silence. 3rd: Shani Amavasya (any that falls on Saturday - December 19 is Saturday in 2026). 4th: Diwali Amavasya (Oct 21) - for wealth and ancestor peace together. Vat Savitri Amavasya (May 27) is best for married women wishing for husband longevity. All Amavasyas are effective for Pitru Tarpan.