Amavasya, the Hindu new moon day, is one of the most spiritually significant tithis in the Hindu lunar calendar. Dedicated primarily to honoring ancestors (Pitrus) and performing sacred rituals like Tarpan and Shradh, Amavasya holds immense importance for devotees across India. This comprehensive guide provides all Amavasya dates for July through December 2026, along with exact timings, spiritual names, ritual details, and the profound significance of each new moon day. Whether you’re planning fasting, puja, or ancestor worship ceremonies, this updated guide will help you observe these sacred days with proper devotion.
Understanding Amavasya: What You Need to Know
What is Amavasya?
Amavasya (अमावस्या) is the Sanskrit term for the new moon day in the Hindu lunar calendar. It occurs when the moon is completely invisible from Earth, positioned between the Sun and Earth. This astronomical event marks the end of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) and is followed by Sukla Paksha Prathama (the first day of the bright fortnight).
In Hindu tradition, Amavasya is considered a purely spiritual day dedicated to ancestors. The word “Amavasya” literally means “the night where the moon is not present” (A = without, Vasya = residing).
Why is Amavasya So Important?
Amavasya holds special significance in Hinduism for several reasons:
General Rules for Amavasya Observance
- Fasting: Many devotees observe complete or partial fasting on Amavasya
- Morning Rituals: Early morning bath (preferably in sacred rivers) followed by Tarpan
- Ancestor Offerings: Offering water, black sesame seeds (krishna til), and food to Pitrus
- Puja: Performing專門 puja for ancestors and deities like Shiva, Vishnu, or Hanuman
- Charity: Giving food, clothes, or donations to the needy
- Avoid: Meat, alcohol, and negative activities on this day
Complete Amavasya Calendar 2026: July to December
Below is the complete and updated list of all Amavasya dates from July through December 2026, including exact tithi timings, day of the week, nakshatra, and spiritual significance.
Amavasya Dates July–December 2026 (Complete Overview)
| Month | Date | Day | Hindu Month Name | Amavasya Name | Nakshatra | Primary Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 2026 | July 14, 2026 | Tuesday | Ashadha | Ashadha Amavasya | Punarvasu | Halharini Amavasya (Farmer’s Festival) |
| August 2026 | August 12, 2026 | Wednesday | Shravana | Shravana Amavasya | Pushya | Hariyali Amavasya (Greenery Festival) |
| September 2026 | September 11, 2026 | Friday | Bhadrapada | Bhadrapada Amavasya | Purva Phalguni | Mahalaya Amavasya / Pitru Paksha (Most significant for ancestors) |
| October 2026 | October 10, 2026 | Saturday | Ashwin | Ashwin Amavasya | Hasta | Dedicated to Punya activities and charity |
| November 2026 | November 9, 2026 | Monday | Kartika | Kartika Amavasya | Swati | Diwali / Lakshmi Puja (The most celebrated Amavasya) |
| December 2026 | December 8, 2026 | Tuesday | Margashirsha | Margashirsha Amavasya | Anuradha | Auspicious for spiritual progress |
Note: Timings may vary slightly based on your location. The dates provided are for India (IST timezone).
Detailed Amavasya Guide: July 2026 to December 2026
Let’s explore each Amavasya date in detail with exact timings, rituals, and significance.
July 2026: Ashadha Amavasya
Date: Tuesday, July 14, 2026
Hindu Month: Ashadha
Nakshatra: Punarvasu
Special Name: Halharini Amavasya
Timings (IST)
- Amavasya Tithi Begins: July 14, 2026 (morning)
- Amavasya Tithi Ends: July 15, 2026 (early morning)
Exact hour timings may vary by location; consult local panchang for precise times.
Significance
Ashadha Amavasya is known as Halharini Amavasya in some regions, particularly among farming communities. It is considered a Farmer’s Festival where agricultural workers honor their tools and the earth. This day marks the beginning of the rainy season in India, which is crucial for farming.
Key Rituals:
- Offer prayers to agricultural tools
- Perform Tarpan for ancestors
- Donate food to farmers and needy
- Take holy bath in sacred rivers
August 2026: Shravana Amavasya
Date: Wednesday, August 12, 2026
Hindu Month: Shravana
Nakshatra: Pushya
Special Name: Hariyali Amavasya
Timings (IST)
- Amavasya Tithi Begins: August 12, 2026 (morning)
- Amavasya Tithi Ends: August 13, 2026 (early morning)
Significance
Shravana Amavasya is celebrated as Hariyali Amavasya (Greenery Festival), especially in northern India. The word “Hariyali” means greenery, and this day marks when nature is most lush during the rainy season. It’s an auspicious day for:
Key Rituals:
- Plant trees and honor nature
- Perform Pitru Tarpan
- Observe fasting
- Offer prayers to Lord Vishnu
- Donate green clothes and food
This Amavasya is also significant for Raksha Bandhan preparations in some regions, as it falls close to the full moon festival.
September 2026: Bhadrapada Amavasya — MAHALAYA AMAVASYA
Date: Friday, September 11, 2026
Hindu Month: Bhadrapada
Nakshatra: Purva Phalguni
Special Name: Mahalaya Amavasya / Pitru Paksha Amavasya
MOST IMPORTANT AMAVASYA OF THE YEAR
This is the most significant Amavasya for ancestor worship. Mahalaya Amavasya marks the beginning of Pitru Paksha (ancestral fortnight), a 16-day period dedicated entirely to honoring deceased relatives.
Timings (IST)
- Amavasya Tithi Begins: September 11, 2026 (morning)
- Amavasya Tithi Ends: September 12, 2026 (early morning)
Why Mahalaya Amavasya is So Special
Essential Mahalaya Amavasya Rituals
- Early Morning Bath: Wake up before sunrise and take bath in sacred river (Ganga, Yamuna, or any clean water source)
- Tarpan ceremony:
- Offer water mixed with black sesame seeds (krishna til)
- Use copper vessel (lota) for offering
- Face South direction (direction of Pitrus)
- Recite “Om Pitru Namah” while offering
- Pind Daan: Offer rice balls (pind) to ancestors
- Food Offering: Prepare and donate food (particularly rice, milk, and sweets) to priests and needy
- Shradh Puja: Perform complete Shradh puja with proper vidhi (ceremony)
- Fasting: Observe complete or partial fasting
- Avoid: Meat, alcohol, garlic, and negative thoughts
Important Note: If you cannot perform rituals on Mahalaya Amavasya itself, you can perform them during the entire Pitru Paksha period (September 11–26, 2026).
October 2026: Ashwin Amavasya
Date: Saturday, October 10, 2026
Hindu Month: Ashwin
Nakshatra: Hasta
Special Name: Ashwin Amavasya
Timings (IST)
- Amavasya Tithi Begins: October 10, 2026 (morning)
- Amavasya Tithi Ends: October 11, 2026 (early morning)
Significance
Ashwin Amavasya falls in the month of Ashwin, which is considered highly auspicious in Hinduism. This month includes major festivals like Dussehra (Vijayadashami) and leads toward Diwali.
Key Characteristics:
- Dedicated to Punya activities (good deeds) and charity
- Time for spiritual cleansing before the festival season
- Important for performing charity and donations
Key Rituals:
- Donate food, clothes, and money to needy
- Perform Tarpan for ancestors
- Observe fasting
- Practice meditation and yoga
- Visit temples and perform puja
This Amavasya prepares devotees spiritually for the upcoming Diwali celebrations.
November 2026: Kartika Amavasya — DIWALI
Date: Monday, November 9, 2026
Hindu Month: Kartika
Nakshatra: Swati
Special Name: Kartika Amavasya / Diwali / Lakshmi Puja Day
THE MOST CELEBRATED AMAVASYA OF THE YEAR
Kartika Amavasya is Diwali, the festival of lights celebrated across India and by Hindus worldwide. This is the most important and widely celebrated Amavasya.
Timings (IST)
- Amavasya Tithi Begins: November 9, 2026 at 11:27 AM
- Amavasya Tithi Ends: November 9, 2026 at 12:31 PM (next day)
Exact Diwali puja timings may vary by location; check local panchang.
Why Diwali (Kartika Amavasya) is Extra Special
Complete Diwali (Kartika Amavasya) Rituals
1. Pre-Diwali Preparations (Days Before):
- Clean and decorate your home
- Purchase new clothes, diyas, and puja items
- Prepare traditional sweets and foods
2. Diwali Day Rituals (November 9, 2026):
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Early Morning (5–7 AM) | Wake up, take bath, wear new clothes |
| Morning (7–9 AM) | Clean home, decorate with rangoli |
| Before sunset | Install diya lamps around home |
| Pradosh Kaal (6–8 PM) | Main Lakshmi-Ganesha Puja (most auspicious time) |
| After sunset | Light all diyas, perform aarti |
| Night | Share sweets, celebrate with family, fireworks (if permissible) |
3. Lakshmi-Ganesha Puja Steps:
- Set up puja altar with idols/images of Lakshmi and Ganesha
- Offer flowers, incense, agarbatti, and camphor
- Chant “Om Shri Lakshmi Namah” and “Om Ganesha Namah”
- Offer sweets (particularly modak for Ganesha)
- Perform aarti with ghee diya
- Distribute prasad
4. Essential Diwali Practices:
- Light at least 5 diyas (entrance, courtyard, temple, kitchen, bedroom)
- Never sleep before all diyas are lit
- Keep home doors open to welcome Lakshmi
- Avoid negative thoughts and activities
- Donate to needy on this day
Important: Diwali is celebrated for 5 days (Dhanteras to Bhai Dooj), but Kartika Amavasya is the main day.
December 2026: Margashirsha Amavasya
Date: Tuesday, December 8, 2026
Hindu Month: Margashirsha (also called Agrahayana)
Nakshatra: Anuradha
Special Name: Margashirsha Amavasya
Timings (IST)
- Amavasya Tithi Begins: December 8, 2026 at 04:12 AM
- Amavasya Tithi Ends: December 9, 2026 at 06:21 AM
Significance
Margashirsha is considered one of the most auspicious months in Hinduism. Lord Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita says: “Among the months, I am Margashirsha” (Gita 10.35). This Amavasya is:
Key Benefits:
- Auspicious for spiritual progress
- Excellent period for meditation and yoga
- Time for deep spiritual practices
- Important for performing charity
Key Rituals:
- Observe fasting
- Perform morning Tarpan
- Visit temples (particularly Vishnu or Shiva temples)
- Practice meditation and chant prayers
- Donate food and clothes to needy
- Read sacred texts (Bhagavad Gita, Vishnu Purana)
Margashirsha month is also known for Margashirsha Vratan, a special fasting practice observed by many devotees, particularly women.
Complete Amavasya 2026 Timings (All Months)
For comprehensive planning, here’s the complete list of all 12 Amavasya dates in 2026 with exact tithi timings:
Note: Some timing details are not available for all months. Always check your local panchang for precise timings.
Special Amavasya Types in 2026
Not all Amavasyas are the same. Certain Amavasyas have special names and enhanced spiritual significance:
Special Amavasya Types in 2026
Understanding Special Amavasyas
Somvati Amavasya:
- When Amavasya falls on Sunday (Vara)
- Believed to purify all sins
- Ideal for performing Tarpan and Shradh
Shani Amavasya:
- Amavasya that primarily falls on Saturday
- Powerful for reducing Shani dosha (Saturn affliction)
- Offer black sesame seeds and oil to Shani
Adhik Maas Amavasya:
- Occurs during “Adhik Maas” (extra/intercalary month)
- Hindu calendar adds an extra month every 2-3 years
- This Amavasya has double spiritual power
Pitru Paksha 2026: Complete Guide
Since Mahalaya Amavasya (September 11, 2026) marks the beginning of Pitru Paksha, let’s understand this important period:
What is Pitru Paksha?
Pitru Paksha (also called Shraddha Paksha) is a 16-day lunar period dedicated entirely to honoring deceased ancestors. It begins from Mahalaya Amavasya and ends on Purnima (full moon).
Pitru Paksha 2026 Dates
When to Perform Shradh During Pitru Paksha
| Category | Recommended Days |
|---|---|
| Best Days | Mahalaya Amavasya (Sep 11), Prathama, Dvitiya, Tritiya |
| Good Days | All days from Sep 11–26 are suitable |
| If unable on Amavasya | Perform during any day of Pitru Paksha |
Essential Pitru Paksha Rituals
- Daily Tarpan: Perform water offering with black sesame every morning
- Pind Daan: Offer rice balls to ancestors
- Food Donation: Feed priests, cows, and needy people
- Fasting: Observe partial or complete fasting
- Avoid: Meat, alcohol, garlic, and negative activities
- Recitation: Read Garud Purana or recite ancestor names
Amavasya Rituals Checklist for Each Date
Use this checklist to ensure you perform all necessary rituals on each Amavasya:
| Ritual | Description | When to Perform | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Morning Bath | Bath before sunrise, preferably in sacred river | 5–7 AM | High |
| Tarpan | Offer water + black sesame to ancestors | After bath, face South | Highest |
| Fasting | Complete or partial fasting | Whole day | High |
| Puja | Perform puja for deities and ancestors | Morning/Evening | High |
| Food Donation | Donate food to priests/needy | After puja | Medium |
| Meditation | 30+ minutes of meditation | Anytime | Medium |
| Temple Visit | Visit nearby temple | Morning | Medium |
| Avoid Negative | No meat, alcohol, negative thoughts | Whole day | High |
| Recite Prayers | Chant “Om Pitru Namah” | During Tarpan | High |
| Light Diya | Lamp at home temple | Evening | Medium |
Astrological Significance of Amavasya
Astronomical Position
During Amavasya:
- Moon is positioned between Sun and Earth
- Moon is completely invisible from Earth
- This creates a solar alignment that affects cosmic energies
Spiritual Energy Flow
| Phase | Energy Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Krishna Paksha (before Amavasya) | Dissolution energy | Removing negativity, letting go |
| Amavasya (new moon) | Peak dissolution | Ancestor worship, deep meditation |
| Sukla Paksha (after Amavasya) | Creation energy | Starting new ventures, puja |
Planetary Influences
- Moon: Represents mind; invisible moon = mind quiet (good for meditation)
- Sun: Represents soul; alignment with moon = soul-mind connection
- Pitrus: Ancestral spirits are most accessible on this day
Common Misconceptions About Amavasya
Myth 1: “Amavasya is only for ancestors”
Truth: While ancestor worship is primary, Amavasya is also excellent for:
- Spiritual meditation
- Fasting and purification
- Starting new spiritual practices
- Removing negative energies
Myth 2: “You cannot do puja on Amavasya”
Truth: You CAN and SHOULD perform puja, especially:
- Ancestor puja (Shradh)
- Shiva puja
- Vishnu puja
- Hanuman puja
Myth 3: “Only elderly people should perform Shradh”
Truth: Anyone can perform ancestor rituals, including:
- Young adults
- Married couples
- Even children (with guidance)
Myth 4: “Amavasya fasting is optional”
Truth: Fasting is highly recommended but:
- Complete fasting: Most beneficial
- Partial fasting (fruits, milk): Acceptable
- If health issues: Light food only
Regional Variations in Amavasya Observance
Amavasya practices vary across different regions of India:
| Region | Special Practice | Name |
|---|---|---|
| Bengal | Mahalaya Amavasya marks Durga Puja preparation | Mahalaya |
| North India | Hariyali Amavasya (greenery festival) | Hariyali |
| Farmer Communities | Halharini Amavasya (farmer’s festival) | Halharini |
| Gujarat | Special Lakshmi puja on Diwali | Diwali |
| South India | Pind Daan at specific temples | Pind Daan |
| Punjab | Khoya (sweet) offering to ancestors | Khoya |
Health and Safety Tips for Amavasya Observance
For Fasters
| Concern | Solution |
|---|---|
| Dehydration | Drink water even during partial fasting |
| Low energy | Eat fruits if complete fasting is difficult |
| Medical conditions | Consult doctor before fasting; modify as needed |
| Elderly people | Partial fasting is acceptable |
General Safety
- Fire safety: Be careful with diyas (lamps); keep away from children
- Travel: Avoid traveling during peak puja times on Diwali
- Crowds: If visiting temples, go early to avoid crowds
- Weather: June–July Amavasyas occur during rainy season; plan accordingly
How to Calculate Amavasya Dates for Future Years
Basic Formula
Amavasya occurs approximately every 29.5 days (lunar month). To estimate:
textNext Amavasya = Previous Amavasya + 29.5 days
Important Notes
- Lunar Calendar: Hindu calendar is based on moon cycles, not solar
- Regional Variations: Timings may vary by 1–2 hours depending on location
- Adhik Maas: Extra month added every 2–3 years
- Panchang: Always consult local panchang for exact dates
Final Thoughts: Making the Most of Amavasya 2026
Amavasya is a powerful spiritual opportunity that comes every month. For July–December 2026, you have six Amavasya dates, including two of the most significant ones:
- Mahalaya Amavasya (September 11) — Most important for ancestor worship
- Kartika Amavasya/Diwali (November 9) — Most celebrated festival of lights
Quick Action Plan
| Month | Action |
|---|---|
| July | Plan farmer’s festival rituals if applicable |
| August | Honor nature; plant trees |
| September | Start Pitru Paksha; perform complete Shradh |
| October | Focus on charity and good deeds |
| November | Celebrate Diwali with full devotion; perform Lakshmi puja |
| December | Deep spiritual practices; meditation |
Remember
- Consistency: Observe Amavasya regularly, not just on special dates
- Devotion: Quality of devotion matters more than quantity of rituals
- Ancestors: Honor your ancestors with love and respect
- Charity: Always include giving to the needy in your rituals
- Peace: Maintain inner peace and positive thoughts
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the most important Amavasya in 2026?
Answer: Mahalaya Amavasya (September 11, 2026) is the most important for ancestor worship, and Kartika Amavasya/Diwali (November 9, 2026) is the most celebrated.
Q2: Can I perform Shradh on any Amavasya?
Answer: Yes, you can perform Shradh on any Amavasya. However, Mahalaya Amavasya and during Pitru Paksha are most powerful.
Q3: What time should I perform Tarpan?
Answer: Perform Tarpan early morning after bath, ideally before 9 AM. Face South direction.
Q4: Is fasting mandatory on Amavasya?
Answer: Fasting is highly recommended but not mandatory. Partial fasting or light food is acceptable if you have health issues.
Q5: Can children perform ancestor rituals?
Answer: Yes, children can perform rituals with guidance from elders.
Q6: What if I miss Mahalaya Amavasya?
Answer: You can perform Shradh during the entire Pitru Paksha period (September 11–26, 2026).
Q7: Are Amavasya timings the same everywhere?
Answer: Timings vary by location. Check your local panchang for precise times.
Q8: What food should I avoid on Amavasya?
Answer: Avoid meat, alcohol, garlic, and negative activities.
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