How to Keep Amavasya Fast in Hinduism: A Comprehensive Guide Amavasya (new moon day) holds significant spiritual and cultural importance in Hinduism. Observing a fast on this day is believed to bring mental clarity, spiritual progress, and relief from ancestral karmas. Below is an expanded guide with methods, prayers, daily routines, practical tips, and details about the deities Shiva, Kali, and Lakshmi, often worshipped during this time. Understanding the Significance of Amavasya Spiritual Importance : The dark moon phase symbolizes introspection, meditation, and the purification of the mind. It is also believed to be a powerful day for performing rituals to appease ancestors (Pitru Tarpana). Astrological Influence : The moon governs emotions and mind; its absence prompts inward reflection and emotional detox. Daily Routine for Amavasya Fasting Pre-Dawn Preparation : Wake up early (Brahma Muhurta, before sunrise). Take a holy bath, preferably with a few drops of ...

Amavasya, or the New Moon day, holds significant spiritual and cultural importance in Hinduism. It marks the end of the waning phase of the moon and is a day when the moon is not visible in the sky. Traditionally, Amavasya is considered an auspicious time for performing various religious rites, including rituals to honor ancestors (Pitru Tarpan), and for embarking on new beginnings. Significance of Nakshatras Nakshatras, or lunar constellations, are critical elements in Hindu astrology. There are 27 Nakshatras in total, and each is associated with particular characteristics and deities. The presence of Amavasya in certain Nakshatras is believed to enhance its spiritual potency. Holy Nakshatras on Amavasya When Amavasya coincides with the Nakshatras of Anuradha (Anusham or Anizham), Vishakha (Vishakam), or Swati (Chothi), it is considered highly auspicious and meritorious. This alignment is believed to provide exceptional opportunities for spiritual growth and merit through various vrat...

In Hinduism, Amavasya, or the new moon day, holds significant spiritual and cultural importance. Among the various types of Amavasya, two specific kinds are distinguished: Sinivali Amavasya and Kuhu Amavasya. Each of these is recognized based on the lunar calendar's tithi (lunar day) and is also personified as a deity in certain contexts. Sinivali Amavasya Definition and Timing: Sinivali Amavasya occurs when the new moon (Amavasya) is mixed with the Chaturdashi tithi, which is the 14th day of the waning moon phase. This overlap happens because lunar days (tithis) are based on the moon's position and can vary in their occurrence. When the new moon day starts before the 14th day ends, it creates a combined or mixed tithi. Cultural and Religious Significance: Sinivali is often depicted as a deity associated with fertility and motherhood. In Vedic texts, Sinivali is invoked for blessings related to childbirth and progeny. Rituals performed on Sinivali Amavasya are believed to enh...

The act of donating rice and milk on Amavasya , or the no moon day, holds great significance in Hindu culture. This charitable gesture is deeply rooted in the belief that such offerings carry immense merit and blessings. Here are some aspects that highlight the greatness of donating rice and milk on Amavasya: Meritorious Act: Donation of food items is considered one of the most virtuous deeds in Hinduism. It is believed to generate positive karma and spiritual merit for the donor. Auspicious Timing: Amavasya, or the no moon day, is considered a powerful time for spiritual activities and acts of charity. The absence of the moon symbolizes darkness, making it an opportune moment for individuals to engage in acts of generosity and seek divine blessings. Symbolism of White: White is associated with purity and is the color often linked with deities like Shiva and Chandra, the moon god. By donating rice and milk, which are white in color, devotees honor these divine beings and seek th...

Pithori Amavasya is observed on the Amavas (No moon) day in the month of Bhadrapada (August – September) as per North Indian calendar. The corresponding month in other regions is the Shravan month. Goddess Durga is worshipped on Pithori Amavasya. Pithori Amavasya 2025 is August 23. Story of Pithori Amavasya Legend has it that the importance Pithori Amavasya Vrat was narrated to the wife of Lord Indra by Goddess Parvati. It is believed that performing this Vrata will help in attaining healthy and brave sons. Pithori Amavasya Mantra दधिशंखतुषाराभं क्षीरोदार्णव सम्भवम। नमामि शशिनं सोमं शंभोर्मुकुट भूषणं ।।    Pithori Amavasya Puja Vidhi Married women observe Pithori Amavasya for the good health and well being of their children. In some regions, Goddess Durga, 64 Yoginis and Saptamatrikas are worshipped on the day. Pitha means flour and women make idols of Goddess Durga using the flour. Some communities make 64 small shapes using flour repre...

Kusha Grahani Amavasya is observed on the no moon day (Amavasya) in the month of Bhadrapada as per the traditional calendar followed in North India . In Gujarat , Kushgrahini Amas ritual is observed on the no moon day in the month of Shravan. In 2025, the date of Kusha Grahani Amavasya is August 23. This is Amavasya is held auspicious for performing numerous rituals. It is also observed as Pithori Amavasya and Matru Amavasya. It is also considered ideal to perform Tarpan and Shraddha on the day. The day is dedicated to the Kusha Grass or Darbha. The ritual is also known as Kushotpadidni Amavas   ( कुशोत्पाटिनी अमावस ). 

Aadi Amavasya is the no moon day in the Tamil month of Aadi and is considered highly auspicious for performing rituals to the dead like Shradh and Tarpan. Aadi Amavasai 2026 date is August 12. Time is from 1:53 AM on August 12 and ends at 11:07 PM on August 12. The day is also auspicious to Lord Muruga. Important rituals on the day include performing rites for dead ancestors in sacred Teerths and riverbanks and also taking a holy dip in sacred rivers and spots. Devout Hindus perform holy bath in various scared rivers, seas and sacred ponds or Teerthams in Tamil Nadu. Thousands of Hindus take a holy dip and perform rites to the dead ancestors at Agni Theertham in Rameswaram, Thriveni Sangamam in Kanyakumari and various holy spots on the banks of Cauvery River . Fasting on Aadi Amavasai is considered highly beneficial and some people only have a single meal on the day. Aadi month is of great importance to Lord Muruga and on Amavasya day special abhishekams and p...

Somvati Amavasya is no moon day that falls on a Monday (Somvar) in traditional Hindu calendar. Somvati Amavasya 2025 dates are May 26 and October 20. The day is of great importance to millions of Hindus and they perform shradh, tarpan and pind daan for the souls that have departed. It is considered a highly auspicious to perform holy dip in sacred rivers like Ganga and Yamuna on the day. Puja, vrat and other rituals on the day are mainly dedicated to Lord Shiva. Popular among them is the Peepal Pujan. Married men and women also perform different pujas and rituals and also undertake Somavara Amavasya Vrat. Somvati Amavasya 2025 Dates And Time (North India Time) from 10:54 AM on May 26 from 2:55 PM on October 20  Importance of Somvati Amavasya The significance of Somvati Amavasya was narrated Yudhisthira by Bhisma in the Mahabharata. It is said that whoever takes a bath in the sacred rivers on the day would be prosperous, free of diseases and would be...

At the famous Jejuri Khandoba Temple , dedicated to Malhari Martand, Somvati Amavasya is a highly auspicious date. Somvati Amavasya is the no moon day in a Hindu calendar. Somvati Amavasya dates at Jejuri Khandoba Temple in 2025 are o n May 26 and October 20 - please note the Amavasya are actually on May 27 and October 21 but the tithi begins around afternoon on Mondays. The main ritual on the day is the offering of Bhandara – turmeric powder. Large amounts of Turmeric powder are thrown in and around the temple on the day. Devotees virtually bathe in yellow color. Devotees also offer various penance on the day. Khandoba is a manifestation of Shiva and is worshipped mainly in Maharashtra, Goa , parts of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Khandoba is also known as Khanderao, Khanderaya, Malhari Martand and Mallu Khan. Related Khandoba History – Story of Hindu God Shiva’s Manifestation as Khandoba

Chitalagi Amavasya is observed in the Shraban or Shravan month in Odisha. Chitalagi Amavasya 2026 date is August 12. It is associated with the Jagannath worship in this eastern state of India . Amavasya (referred as no moon day or new moon day) is the darkest month in a Hindu lunar calendar is considered apt for performing pujas and rituals associated with the Dead. On the Chitalagi Amavasya day, a special ritual is held at Puri Jagannath temple. The forehead of the murti of Jagannath is adorned with a golden mark known as Chitta. A special delicacy known as Chitau Pitha is prepared on the day at homes.

Bheemana Amavasya, also known as Bhima Amavasi, is an important Hindu ritual performed by women in Karnataka. Bheemana Amavasya Vrata 2026 date is August 12. Bheemana Amavasya is observed on the no moon day (Amavas) in the Kannada month of Ashada (July – August). On the day women pray for the well being of their husbands and brothers. The ritual is also known as Deepastambha Pooja. Jyoti Bheemeshwara Ammavasi (Bheemana Amavasi Vrata) is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Married and unmarried women and girls on Bhima Amavasai pray for the long life of their husbands, brothers and other male members in the house. A pair of lamps made using mud known as Kalikamba represents Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati on the day. Special pujas are done on the auspicious day to appease the divine couple. Thambittu Deepa or Thembittu lamp made from flour is made on the occasion and lit to cool all bad emotions like anger, frustration etc. Another important feature...

Hariyali Amavasya, or Hariyali Amavasya, is the no moon day in the Shravan month in North India as per the traditional Hindu calendar followed in North India . Hariyali Amavasya 2026 date is August 12. Great importance is given to green color during this Amavasya – a reflection of the green nature after the first monsoon showers. Plant A Tree or Herb and Earn Great Merits on Hariyali Amavasya It is believed that planting a tree, herb or plant on the morning of Hariyali Amavasya day will earn merits equal to performing 100 yajnas. Plant Tulsi, Gooseberry, Plantain (Banana) or Bel Patra for solving all financial problems. Plant Ashoka, Arjuna, Coconut tree or Bargad (Vat Vriksha or Banyan Tree) for prosperity. Plant Peepal, neem, Bilva, nagkeshar, Gudhal or Ashwagandha for begetting healthy children. Plant Tulsi, Brahmi, Palash, Shankhpushpi or Akada for good intelligence and wisdom. For happiness plant neem, kadamba or trees with huge shadowy branches. For pleasant re...

Deep Puja, also known as Deepa Pooja, is observed on the Amavasya (No moon) day in Ashada month in Maharashtra and in some parts of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. It is observed to welcome the holy Shravan month by some Hindu communities. In 2026, the date of Deep puja in  Maharashtra  is August 12. All the diyas or lamps in house are cleaned on the day.  For observing Deepa puja, people clean their homes and decorate houses with colorful Rangoli patterns. Some people make sure that all the lamps in the home are thoroughly cleaned. The important lamps used for pujas are arranged in the Puja room and special pujas are offered. Devout Hindus believe that the worship of Diya will usher in knowledge and will help in seeking the blessings of Ashta Lakshmis. In different regions, Deepa Puja is offered for different reasons. Some people offer it to welcome the Shravan month which is a holy month and numerous rituals and vratas are offere...

It is widely believed that worshipping Goddess Bhadrakali on Amavasya or no moon day is highly meritorious. Symbolically, Amavasya represent spiritual darkness and Goddess Bhadrakali arrives as light and annihilates the darkness and ushers in the light of knowledge that all that is here is nothing but the Supreme Truth. Goddess Bhadrakali forcefully removes the darkness created by ego. It is believed that Goddess Bhadrakali appeared from the matted locks of Shiva when he untied them and hit them on the ground on hearing the death of Goddess Sati. Another belief is that Goddess Bhadrakali appeared from the third eye of Shiva to kill Daksha Prajapati. Bhadra means auspiciousness and Goddess Kali is one who provides us with auspiciousness. She removes all kinds of dirt covering the Supreme Truth like lust, anger, ego, hatred, ignorance and the though I am the body. The mantra chanted on Amavasya day is Kali Kali Mahakali Bhadrakali Namostute Kulam Cha Kula Dharmam Cha Mam Cha Palaya...

Amavasya is known as the no moon day in traditional Hindu calendar. In 2025, there are 12 Amavasya. Mahalaya Amavasya in 2025 is on September 21. Below are the Amavasya 2025 dates with tithi time in Hindu Calendar based on Indian Standard Time. Time for Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh, Orissa, West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Pondicherry, Jammu and Kashmir, Manipur, Tripura, Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram and Andaman and Nicobar is given separately. Time for Gujarat, Maharashtra, Dadar Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, Goa, northern parts of Karnataka (having a border with Maharashtra) and South Rajasthan having a border with Gujarat is given separately. It is the darkest day in the Hindu month and also the last day in a month in the traditional Hindu calendars followed in Gujarat and Maharashtra. There...

Shani Amavasya is the no moon day that falls on a Saturday or Shanivar in traditional Hindu calendar. In 2025, Shani Amavasya date is March 29 and August 23. December 20 only in western parts of India. Amavasya is considered inauspicious by many Hindu communities and the fear of Lord Shani is well known as he is believed to create havoc in the life of people. So Amavasya falling on Saturday is considered highly inauspicious by some people. Shani Amavasya is keenly followed by people who believe in astrology. People suffering from Pitra Dosh and Kaal Sarp Dosh conduct remedial pujas on the day. Various other rituals dedicated to Lord Shani are performed on the day. The day is also considered ideal for performing Shradh and Tarpan for dead ancestors. Famous Lord Shani temples like Shani Shingnapur and Thirunallar Shani Temple attracts a large number of devotees on the day. Various Donation on Shani Amavasya -  Donation on the day earns merit...

Thai Amavasya is the no moon day in the Tamil Month of Thai (January – February) and is of great importance in Tamil culture. Thai Amavasai is dedicated to dead ancestors -  siblings, parents and other relatives. Thai Amavasya 2026 date is January 18. Special prayers, rituals and offerings are made on the day for departed souls to rest in peace. In Tamil Nadu, Hindus take a holy bath in one of the sacred water bodies. Shradh and Tarpan are offered. There is a popular belief that on Thai Amavasya day the souls of the dead visit to bless their relations on the earth. The rituals and other pujas are performed on riverbanks or on seashores. Thousands of people take dip at Rameshwaram and visit the Agnitheertham Kadarkarai (sea coast) in the morning to offer pujas to the dead ancestors. Special prayers also offered to the Navagrahas at Devipattinam near Rameshwaram. In Rameshwaram, a special procession carrying the murtis of Shiva, Sri Rama and Sita...

Mauni Amavasya, or Mauna Amavasya, is the no moon day in the Magha month (January – February) as per the traditional Hindu calendar followed in North India . Mauni Amavasya 2025 date is January 29. It is also an important bathing date at during the annual Magh Mela, Magh Snan and during the Ardh (6) and 12 year Kumbh Mela. The word ‘mauna’ or ‘mauni’ means silence and several Hindus keep complete silence on the day. According to Hinduism, ‘Mauna’ (silence) is an essential part of spiritual discipline. Derived from the word muni, a Sanyasi or saint who practices silence, mauna ideally symbolizes a state of oneness with the Self. Mauna has also been described by Adi Shankaracharya as one of the three essential attributes of a Sanyasi. In modern day, it was Ramana Maharshi who popularized silence as a medium of spiritual instruction. For him silence was a state beyond speech and thought – it is living without the ego sense. On Mauni Amavasya day, large num...

Yellu Amavasya, also known as Ellamavasya, is observed on the no moon day in the Margashirsh month (December - January) in Karnataka and parts of Andhra Pradesh. Yellu Amavasya 2025 date is December 19. Ellu means Sesame or Til and Amavasya is the no moon day. Ellu Amavasya festival is observed by farmers and is form a thanksgiving to Mother Earth for a good harvest. An important ceremony on Yellu Amavasya day is the spraying of sesame and jaggery in agricultural lands. There is a belief that the sesame and jaggery are food for the worms in the farmland. Some people also observe pujas dedicated to Lord Shani – especially those who have trouble with Shani Graha or Saturn in their horoscope. Special vegetarian dishes using pulses and green leaves are prepared for the day, especially by farmers. Some of the dishes prepared include bajje, pundi, chikki, palak, menthe, rajgiri, bartha, jowar kadubu and sajje kadubu. All the agricultural laborers gather on the farm...

Diwali is observed traditionally on Kartik Amavasya or the no moon day in Kartik month in North India. The corresponding period in other regions is the Amavasya in Ashwin month. Diwali Amavasya 2025 is October 20/October 21. Time is from – Amavas begins at 2:55 PM on October 20 and ends at 4:26 PM on October 21. In Tamil Nadu, it is the Aippasi Amavasai. For Diwali to be observed Amavasya tithi should be present during night time. So in some years Diwali will be observed on the day before actual Amavasya day because the Amavasya tithi ends before sunset.   Diwali and Lakshmi Puja are marked on October 20 in North, South and Eastern Parts Of India. In Maharashtra and Goa it is marked on October 21. The most important puja on the day is the Lakshmi Puja. Legend has it that Diwali Amavasya is one of the darkest night in a year. Goddess Lakshmi arrives on earth and lits it up with her brilliance. Her glow envelops the whole world and she showers blessing of prosperity on ...