Amavasya, the new moon day in the Hindu lunar calendar, holds deep spiritual significance for rituals ranging from ancestral remembrance to specific fasts. Here’s a complete month-wise breakdown of Amavasya dates in 2026.
What Amavasya Represents
Amavasya is the final tithi of Krishna Paksha (the waning fortnight) in each lunar month, occurring when the moon is in conjunction with the sun and therefore invisible from Earth. The word itself comes from Sanskrit — Ama (together) and Vasya (dwelling) — reflecting this astronomical alignment. In Hindu philosophy, the darkness of Amavasya symbolizes introspection, spiritual cleansing, and a natural time for reconnecting with one’s ancestors.
Month-Wise Amavasya Dates in 2026
Amavasya 2026 falls roughly once each lunar month, with the following approximate dates: January 18 (Magha Amavasya), February 17 (Phalguna Amavasya), March 18 (Chaitra Amavasya), April 17 (Vaishakha Amavasya), May 16 (Jyeshtha Amavasya), June 15 (Ashadha Amavasya, also involving Adhik Maas this year), July 14, August 12 (Shravana Amavasya), September 10 (Darsha/Bhadrapada Amavasya, coinciding with the end of Pitru Paksha), October 10, and November 9 (Kartika Amavasya, the Diwali new moon). Exact tithi start and end times shift slightly by location, so it’s worth checking a location-specific Panchang for precise timing.
Mauni Amavasya: The Most Spiritually Significant
Mauni Amavasya, falling on January 18, 2026, is considered the most spiritually charged Amavasya of the year. It occurs during the Hindu month of Magha and is dedicated to spiritual cleansing through silence (maun) and ritual bathing in sacred rivers, particularly the Ganga. Many devotees travel to Prayagraj specifically for this occasion as part of the Magha Kalpavas tradition.
Somvati Amavasya: When New Moon Falls on Monday
Somvati Amavasya occurs when the Amavasya tithi coincides with a Monday. In 2026, this falls on June 15 and November 9. This observance holds particular significance for married women, who traditionally observe a vrat (fast) for their husband’s long life and wellbeing on these specific dates.
Shanischari (Shani) Amavasya
When Amavasya falls on a Saturday, it’s known as Shanischari or Shani Amavasya, associated with worship of Lord Shani (Saturn). In 2026, this occurs on May 16 and October 10. Common practices on this day include donating black sesame seeds, lighting mustard oil lamps, and making offerings dedicated to easing Shani-related astrological doshas.
Mahalaya Amavasya: The Culmination of Pitru Paksha
Falling around September 10-11, 2026 (depending on regional calculation), Mahalaya Amavasya marks the final and most important day of Pitru Paksha, the fortnight dedicated to honouring ancestors. It’s considered the most appropriate single day for performing Pitru Tarpan for any ancestor, regardless of whether their exact date of passing is known.
Kartika Amavasya: The Diwali New Moon
Kartika Amavasya, falling on November 9, 2026, coincides with Diwali, the festival of lights, and is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi. This particular Amavasya carries a notably different mood compared to others through the year — rather than being treated as inauspicious, it’s celebrated with lights, prosperity rituals, and festive gatherings.
Adhik Maas Amavasya in 2026
2026 features a rare Adhika Masa (leap lunar month), and the Amavasya falling within this extra month — around mid-June — is referred to as Adhika Amavasya. Religious activities performed during Adhika Masa, including reading scriptures like the Bhagavad Gita and performing charitable acts, are traditionally believed to carry multiplied spiritual merit.
Common Rituals Observed on Amavasya
Across the various Amavasya dates in 2026, common practices include lighting diyas and incense, offering Pitru Tarpan for ancestors, practicing meditation or mantra chanting, observing a simple satvik fast, and donating food, clothing, or other essentials to those in need — all considered particularly auspicious acts of charity on this day.
Activities Traditionally Avoided on Amavasya
While Amavasya is a spiritually significant day, tradition generally advises against starting new ventures or major undertakings on this date, given its association with introspection rather than initiation. Unnecessary night travel is also traditionally discouraged on Amavasya.
Final Thoughts
Amavasya 2026 occurs across twelve core lunar months (with an additional Adhik Maas observance), each carrying its own specific significance — from the deeply spiritual Mauni Amavasya in January to the festive Kartika Amavasya coinciding with Diwali in November. Checking exact tithi timings for your specific city, and understanding which Amavasya carries special significance for your intended ritual, helps ensure these observances are performed at the most appropriate time.