Amavasya is the time during which the Moon stays dark when viewed from Earth. It is a scientific phenomenon happening due to the Moon getting in between the Sun and the Earth. However, according to ancient history, it happens because Chandra Dev was cursed by his father-law to slowly fade out of existence and then saved by Lord Shiva, making this vanishing phase eventually lead to Chandra gaining back his full form. Thus began the cycle of New Moon to Full Moon to New Moon again. It is the time of the new Moon when the Moon temporarily ceases to exist when viewed from Earth, while Poornima is the time when it is a Full Moon. Amavasya is generally considered to be the most inauspicious time of the month. However, it is also considered as virtuous as the Poornima.

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Amavasya in 2026 List

The Amavasya 2026 dates are as follows:

  • January 18, 12:03 am – January 19, 1:21 am
  • February 16, 5:34 pm – February 17, 5:30 pm
  • March 18, 8:25 am – March 19, 6:52 am
  • March 18, 8:25 am – March 19, 6:52 am
  • April 16, 8:11 pm – April 17, 5:21 pm
  • May 16, 5:11 am – May 17, 1:30 am
  • June 14, 12:19 pm – June 15, 8:23 am
  • June 14, 12:19 pm – June 15, 8:23 am
  • July 13, 6:49 pm – July 14, 3:12 pm
  • August 12, 1:52 am – August 12, 11:06 pm
  • September 10, 10:33 am – September 11, 8:56 am
  • September 10, 10:33 am – September 11, 8:56 am
  • October 9, 9:35 pm – October 10, 9:19 pm
  • November 8, 11:27 am – November 9, 12:31 pm
  • November 8, 11:27 am – November 9, 12:31 pm
  • December 8, 4:12 am – December 9, 6:21 am

Which Amavasya is Today?

 

Wondering What 2026 Has in Store for You

Ideally, there should be 12 Amavasyas a year, though some years have 13. Each Amavasya is named after the lunar month in which it falls and carries its own significance.

Pausha Amavasya (December 8, 2026)

Pausha Amavasya falls in the month of Paush. It is considered inauspicious because negative energies dominate during this time. Worshipping Goddess Lakshmi is believed to bring relief and support. Those suffering from Pitra Dosha can benefit by performing Shradh. Proper spiritual practices during this period help remove obstacles, reduce misfortune, and invite prosperity along with blessings from ancestors.

Magha Amavasya (January 18, 2026)

Also known as Mauni Amavasya, this day is associated with silence and inner awareness. People observe Mauna Vrat and practice complete silence to connect with their deeper self. Taking a holy dip in sacred rivers is considered highly purifying and spiritually uplifting.

Phalguna Amavasya (February 17, 2026)

This Amavasya is considered inauspicious, as negative influences remain strong. It is an important day to perform Shradh and Tarpan. It is believed that ancestors visit Earth on Amavasya, and offering them respect through rituals keeps their blessings intact.

Chaitra Amavasya (March 18–19, 2026)

Chaitra marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year. The Chaitra Amavasya vrat helps in cleansing past and present sins and brings blessings from ancestors. Performing Shradh on this day is believed to give peace to the departed souls as they move through Pitru Loka.

Vaishakha Amavasya (April 17, 2026)

Vaishakha Amavasya is also linked to Shani Jayanti in some regions. It is believed that Lord Shani was born on this day. This period is sacred for connecting with ancestors, and performing Pind Daan helps them progress spiritually and bless the family with peace.

Jyeshtha Amavasya (May 16–17, 2026)

This Amavasya is generally considered heavy with negative energies. Starting new work or journeys is avoided. However, it is an auspicious time for tantric rituals, Kaal Sarp Dosha puja, and practices associated with removing dark or stagnant energies.

Adhika / Jyeshtha Amavasya (June 14–15, 2026)

In 2026, there is an Adhika Amavasya due to the lunar calendar structure. This period is spiritually intense and ideal for rituals connected to ancestors. Annadanam, Tarpan, and other charitable actions performed on this day bring positive results throughout the year.

Ashadha Amavasya (July 14, 2026)

Ashadha Amavasya is considered auspicious for Tila Tarpanam and offering food to the needy. Lighting lamps in the house and performing prayers invite blessings and protect the family from negativity.

Shravana Amavasya (August 12, 2026)

Shravana is one of the most sacred months in Hindu tradition. This Amavasya includes worship of Lord Shiva, ancestors, and nature. As Shravan also marks the monsoon, many regions celebrate it with fairs and special rituals seeking good health, prosperity, and harmony.

Maha Shivratri: The Great Night of Shiva

Bhadrapada Amavasya (September 11, 2026)

Praying during this Amavasya helps remove past sins and negative thoughts. Many observe fasts to bring peace to the home. For those affected by Kaal Sarp Dosha, this is considered one of the best days to perform remedies and pujas.

Ashwina Amavasya (October 10, 2026)

This Amavasya marks the beginning of Durga Puja. Performing Shradh and Tarpan on this day grants blessings from Lord Yama and helps ancestors attain peace. Children of the household are believed to receive long life and protection from misfortune.

Kartika Amavasya (November 9, 2026)

Kartika Amavasya is celebrated as Diwali across the world. It marks the return of Lord Rama after defeating Ravana. It is also the day Goddess Lakshmi emerged during Samudra Manthan, making it an auspicious day for wealth, fortune, and prosperity.

Margashirsha Amavasya (December 8–9, 2026)

Lord Krishna is worshipped on this day. It is considered highly auspicious, and any good deed performed carries long-term benefits. Donating food, money, or essentials and performing rituals for ancestors help bring peace, prosperity, and inner balance.

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Is Amavasya a Good Day?

Amavasya occurs when the Moon and the Sun get placed at the same sign. The proximity of the Moon (mind) and the Sun (soul) causes disturbances on an emotional and spiritual level. So generally, this is considered an inauspicious day except for performing black magic and tantric practices since it is the time when negative energies gain the upper hand over positive ones. However, this is also spiritually significant as it is during this time that your deceased forefathers come to visit you. Performing shraddha and paying respect to one’s forefathers during Amavasya is believed to bless the person with peace and prosperity in life while healing past karma. It also does good to the souls of forefathers by helping them attain moksha.

What are Amavasya and Purnima?

Amavasya is the new moon, or when the Moon is not visible in the sky. Purnima is the full Moon, or when the Moon is fully visible in the sky. Amavasya occurs when the Sun and the Moon are positioned in the same sign. Purnima occurs when the Sun and the Moon are positioned 180 degrees apart in the chart. Purnima is universally considered auspicious, while Amavasya is generally considered to be inauspicious.

There is one other interesting fact separating Amavasya from Purnima. When viewed from Earth on any day, the same side of the Moon appears in the sky. This is because the time taken by the Moon to go around Earth and spin on its axis is the same. However, in reality, the Moon takes nearly 30 days to go around Earth and a little more than 27 days to spin on its axis. This difference is negated during Amavasya. The duration between the Moon going out of vision and then reappearing back is longer than it should mathematically be. On certain days the Amavasya lasts two days, rather than one. As per Vedic astrology, Amavasya is the time when the four karanas, which do not repeat through the other tithis, come into effect.

What are the Effects of Amavasya?

During Amavasya, the gravitational pull of the Moon is at a peak. It also has effects on the soul represented by the Sun since both the Moon and the Sun occupy the same sign during an Amavasya. Hence, it is usual for people to feel spiritually and emotionally imbalanced during this time. Due to the increased effects of the Moon’s gravity, the blood flow in the human body also increases. The resulting surge of blood into the brain may cause paranoia. In extreme cases, people can go mad. Babies born during this day are also affected by this. Some people get an unusual feeling in the body during this time. Wearing proper gemstones during this time will help.

What Should We Not Do in Amavasya?

It is better to not start new ventures during this period or set off on a journey. Cutting nails and hair during this period is also believed to bring adverse effects. Also, buying a broom on Amavasya days is supposed to anger Goddess Lakshmi, thus affecting the inflow of money. Consuming alcohol on this day may attract negative energies to you. The same goes for eating meat and fish. Food items like wheat grains and flour too should be avoided during this time. Do not apply oil on your head during Amavasya.

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