Amavasya Vrat

Amavasya is the last tithi of the lunar paksha — the moon and sun sit in the same sign, and the moon isn't visible. In Maharashtra it falls once a month, about 12 times a year. This tithi is regarded as especially suited to remembering one's ancestors (pitrus) and performing tarpan-shraddha; devotees bathe, give charity, offer pitru tarpan, and worship the peepal tree — fasting itself is optional.

Deity: Pitru/ancestors (the main focus of tarpan-shraddha worship)

Pitru/ancestors (the main focus of tarpan-shraddha worship)

This year's dates (2026)

The site has its own page for each of the 7 named amavasyas, such as Somvati Amavasya and Mauni Amavasya. This page instead covers the rules and rituals that apply to a plain, unnamed "darsh amavasya."

Significance

According to the state's official Marathi encyclopaedia, amavasya is the moment of lunar-solar conjunction — the last tithi of the Krishna paksha; a solar eclipse can only occur on amavasya (though not every amavasya brings one). Alongside this astronomical definition, several religiously significant sub-occasions — Somvati, Pithori, Sarvapitri, Deep — are all themselves particular amavasyas — see the What is a tithi page.

While not as extensive as Mahalaya/Pitru Paksha, every month's amavasya is considered a suitable day for pitru tarpan — a regular opportunity to remember one's ancestors. Because the moon is invisible, this tithi is widely believed to be better suited to introspection, stillness, and settling old accounts than to starting something new — this is a cultural belief, not a universal rule.

The legend / underlying belief

Unlike Ekadashi or Durgashtami, amavasya doesn't have a single, character-centred legend of its own — it's rooted in an astronomical tithi concept and the pitru-shraddha tradition. Instead, two widespread beliefs are associated with it:

  • The peepal-residence belief: the peepal tree is regarded as the dwelling place of ancestors, and by some traditions of Vishnu too — so worshipping and circling the peepal on amavasya is considered especially beneficial for the peace of one's ancestors.
  • The ancestor-arrival belief: by popular belief, ancestors are said to descend from the heavens on amavasya and, pleased by tarpan-shraddha, grant their blessings.

Each named amavasya (Somvati, Mauni, and so on) carries its own particular legend and significance — see that amavasya's own page for the detail.

Who should observe it

Generally, any Hindu whose parents, grandparents, or other ancestors have passed away performs the amavasya rituals for the purpose of tarpan-shraddha.

By tradition it's often the eldest son or a male heir who performs shraddha-tarpan, though in some traditions widows, or women who have lost a father, husband, or son, may also perform it — a family's own tradition ultimately decides this.

Puja vidhi

A researched general sequence — details can vary by family and region:

  1. Bathe early in the morning, at a river or holy site if possible.
  2. Perform pitru tarpan — facing south, offer a mixture of water, black sesame seeds, and rice (at home or by a riverbank).
  3. If desired, perform the shraddha ritual or pind-daan — best done under a priest's guidance.
  4. Worship and circle a peepal tree.
  5. Light a lamp facing south in the evening for the ancestors.
  6. Give charity — food, clothing, or money to those in need, to priests, or at a temple.

Puja samagri

Black sesame seeds, rice, water (for tarpan), lamp oil (for the south-facing lamp), water/milk for the peepal puja and items for circling it, and food/clothing/money for charity. (This list can vary by tradition.)

Fasting & food (upvas)

Fasting on amavasya is optional — unlike Ekadashi or Durgashtami, it isn't compulsory. Some people simply perform tarpan-shraddha and eat normally, while others fast through the day on just fruit, milk, or water — no single approach is required.

Avoiding tamasic food (meat, alcohol, onion-garlic) is a general custom, especially for those performing tarpan/shraddha. The elderly, pregnant women, and those who are unwell or on regular medication should avoid a strict fast — performing just the tarpan-shraddha can be considered sufficient.

Mantra & aarti

There is no single, fixed, universal mantra or aarti for amavasya — the main recitations are tarpan mantras (which vary by kul/gotra and are best chanted through a family priest) and shraddha-related verses from the Garuda Purana. Some traditions also recite a peepal-praise verse while circling the tree — for tarpan mantras, consulting a family priest is the right approach.

Regional customs

In Maharashtra, the month ends on amavasya (the amanta system), while in North India it ends on purnima (purnimanta) — this is already covered in detail on the What is a tithi page.

One important naming confusion is worth avoiding here — the panchang's "darsh amavasya" is a plain tithi term (the subject of this page), but "darsh vela amavasya" (also called "yelavas") is a completely different agricultural festival tradition from the Marathwada region — on the seventh amavasya after sowing, farmers worship the earth in their fields; it's observed in the Dharashiv/Latur/Solapur/Parli areas. Because both start with the same word "darsh," they shouldn't be confused with each other — this page is only about the tithi-sense "darsh amavasya"; the yelavas festival has its own separate reference on the Darsh Amavasya page.

The exact tarpan mantra and sequence vary by kul/gotra/region — consulting a family priest is advisable.

Good to know

  • Fasting on amavasya is optional — performing just the tarpan-shraddha is considered sufficient.
  • Don't confuse "darsh amavasya" (the tithi term) with "darsh vela amavasya"/"yelavas" (the Marathwada agricultural festival) — the two are unrelated.
  • Avoiding new auspicious ventures, weddings, or housewarmings on amavasya is a widespread custom — it isn't a universal rule, and it varies by family tradition; it helps to check with family elders or a kul-priest before deciding.
  • For strict rituals (pind-daan, shraddha), consulting a family priest is a good idea — mantras vary by kul/gotra.
  • Each named amavasya (Somvati, Mauni, and so on) has its own legend and specific ritual — see that amavasya's own page for the detail.

FAQ

What is the Amavasya vrat?
The last tithi of the lunar paksha, falling once a month; it's regarded as especially suited for pitru tarpan and shraddha.
What is darsh amavasya?
A plain, monthly amavasya with no special name attached — also called "shraddha amavasya."
Why is pitru tarpan performed on amavasya?
By popular belief, ancestors draw near on this day and, pleased by tarpan-shraddha, grant their blessings.
Why is the peepal tree worshipped on amavasya?
The peepal is regarded as the dwelling place of ancestors and, by some traditions, of Vishnu too — worship and circling it is considered beneficial for the peace of one's ancestors.
What should be done and avoided on amavasya?
Bathing, charity, tarpan, and peepal puja are recommended; avoiding new auspicious ventures, weddings, or housewarmings is a widespread custom (not a universal rule).
Who should observe the Amavasya vrat?
Anyone whose ancestors have passed away; there's some difference in tradition about who exactly should perform tarpan.
Should I fast on amavasya, or is tarpan alone enough?
Fasting is optional — performing just the tarpan-shraddha is considered sufficient; some also keep a fruit-based fast.
What's the difference between a plain amavasya and Somvati/Mauni/Shani Amavasya?
The named amavasyas are tied to a specific weekday or masa and carry their own legend and significance; a plain "darsh" amavasya has no such special name.
How many times a year does amavasya occur?
About 12 times a year (once every amanta month).

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