Shani Amavasya 2026: Dates, Puja Vidhi & Saturn Remedies
Shani Amavasya 2026 falls on January 31, May 30, and August 29. This powerful combination of Saturday and new moon is among the most potent days for Lord Shani worship, ancestral offerings (Pitru Tarpan), and Peepal tree rituals to reduce Saturn afflictions.
Shani Amavasya 2026 Dates
- January 31, 2026 (Saturday) - Magha Amavasya
- May 30, 2026 (Saturday) - Jyeshtha Amavasya
- August 29, 2026 (Saturday) - Bhadrapada Amavasya
Three Shani Amavasyas in one year is considered especially powerful for Saturn worship and ancestral rituals.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Shani Amavasya in 2026?
Shani Amavasya 2026 dates: January 31, 2026 (Saturday, Magha Amavasya). May 30, 2026 (Saturday, Jyeshtha Amavasya). August 29, 2026 (Saturday, Bhadrapada Amavasya). Shani Amavasya occurs when the new moon (Amavasya) falls on a Saturday (Shanivar). In 2026, this rare coincidence happens three times, which is considered very significant for Saturn (Shani) worship and ancestor rituals.
What is Shani Amavasya?
Shani Amavasya is the powerful combination of the new moon (Amavasya) and Saturday (Shanivar). 'Shani' means Saturn in Sanskrit, and Saturday is named after Saturn. Amavasya is sacred for Pitru Tarpan (ancestor offerings). When these two come together, the day is considered especially powerful for: propitiating Lord Shani to reduce Saturn afflictions, performing ancestor rituals (Shraddha, Tarpan), and worshipping Peepal tree (beloved by Saturn).
What puja is done on Shani Amavasya?
Shani Amavasya puja rituals: Wake early and take a holy bath. Visit a Shani temple and offer sesame oil (til ka tel), black sesame seeds, blue or black flowers, iron items, and mustard oil to Lord Shani's idol. Light a mustard oil lamp under a Peepal tree. Offer black sesame (til) mixed with water to ancestors facing south (Pitru Tarpan). Recite Shani mantras: 'Om Sham Shanicharaya Namah' 108 times, or the Shani Chalisa. Donate black items, iron utensils, oil, or black clothing to the needy.
Why is the Peepal tree worshipped on Shani Amavasya?
The Peepal tree (Ficus religiosa) is sacred to both Saturn (Shani) and the ancestral realm. Lord Shani is believed to reside in the Peepal tree on Saturday (his day), and on Amavasya the ancestors also receive nourishment through Peepal worship. Circling the Peepal tree 7 times on Shani Amavasya while pouring water mixed with black sesame at the base and lighting a mustard oil lamp under the tree is a powerful Saturn remedy and ancestor offering combined.
Who should especially observe Shani Amavasya?
Shani Amavasya is especially important for: People in Shani Mahadasha or Antardasha (Saturn's main or sub-period). Those experiencing Sade Sati (Saturn's 7.5-year transit over Moon sign) or Dhaiya (2.5-year transit). People with Shani in difficult houses (6, 8, 12 from Ascendant or Moon). Those who have Pitru Dosha (ancestral debt or affliction) in their chart. Anyone seeking to reduce obstacles, delays, or Saturn-related hardships in career, health, or relationships.
What is donated on Shani Amavasya?
Shani Amavasya donations (daan): Black items are most powerful for Saturn: Black sesame seeds (til), Black lentils (urad dal), Mustard oil, Iron items (nails, vessels), Blue or black cloth, Black shoes, Black umbrella, Coal. The donation is made to priests, the needy, or temples. Feeding crows (considered messengers of ancestors and Saturn) with cooked rice mixed with sesame is also traditional on Amavasya. Donating to the poor and elderly is especially meritorious.
What is the fasting procedure on Shani Amavasya?
Shani Amavasya fast: Begin the fast on the previous evening (Chaturdashi). Eat only sattvic food: fruits, milk, sabudana, and sendha namak (rock salt). Strictly avoid: non-vegetarian food, alcohol, garlic, onion, and regular salt. Some devotees observe a complete Nirjala (waterless) fast. The fast is broken on the following day (Pratipada) after sunrise puja. Others break the fast after sunset on Amavasya itself after completing all rituals.
How many times does Shani Amavasya occur in a year?
Shani Amavasya occurs approximately 4-5 times per year on average, since there are 12-13 Amavasyas per year and about 1/7 of them will fall on a Saturday by chance. In 2026, there are three Shani Amavasyas: January 31, May 30, and August 29. In some years there can be 4-5, and in others only 1-2. The coincidence is considered more rare and powerful when it falls in specific months like Shravan, Kartik, Magha, or Jyeshtha.
What Shani mantra is chanted on Shani Amavasya?
Key Shani mantras for Shani Amavasya: Beej Mantra: 'Om Pram Preem Praum Sah Shanaischaraya Namah' (108 times). Simple mantra: 'Om Sham Shanicharaya Namah' (108 times). Shani Gayatri: 'Om Shanaischaraya Vidmahe, Sooryaputraya Dhimahi, Tanno Manda Prachodayat.' Hanuman Chalisa recitation is also popular on Shani Amavasya, as Hanuman is a great protector against Shani's malefic effects. The mantras are chanted while sitting under a Peepal tree or in front of Shani's idol.