Amavasai (New Moon) Dates 2026

📊 Amavasai Overview 2026

📅 Month-wise Amavasai Dates 2026

Complete Guide to Amavasai Dates 2026

This comprehensive guide provides all Amavasai (அமாவாசை) dates for 2026. Amavasai, the new moon day, occurs once every lunar month and is considered the most important day for performing ancestral rituals, tarpanam, and pitru karya (duties to ancestors). The 2026 calendar lists 1 Amavasai dates with complete details on timings and special observances.

What is Amavasai (அமாவாசை)?

Amavasai, also spelled Amavasya or Amavasi, refers to the new moon day when the moon is completely dark as seen from Earth. In Tamil calendar, Amavasai marks the 30th thithi, the last day of the lunar month before the cycle begins anew. On this day, the sun and moon are in conjunction (same zodiac sign), making the moon invisible from Earth. Each of the 1 Amavasai dates in 2026 marks the end of one lunar month and the beginning of the next.

Religious and Spiritual Significance

Amavasai holds profound importance in Tamil Hindu tradition:

• Pitru Tarpanam: The most important day for offering water and sesame to ancestors for their peace and blessings.
• Ancestral Remembrance: Families remember and honor deceased parents, grandparents, and ancestors.
• Shraddha Ceremonies: Annual death anniversaries are often observed on the Amavasai of that month.
• Temple Visits: Visiting Shiva temples and sacred rivers on Amavasai is highly meritorious.
• Fasting: Some devotees observe fasting for spiritual purification and ancestral blessings.
• Holy Bath: Taking bath in sacred rivers, especially Ganga, Kaveri, or sea, washes away sins.
• Charity: Feeding Brahmins, crows, and the poor on Amavasai helps ancestors attain peace.

Amavasai Tarpanam

Tarpanam (offering water) is the primary ritual performed on every Amavasai. Male members of the family perform tarpanam for deceased ancestors going back three generations - parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents. The ritual involves offering water mixed with sesame seeds while reciting mantras and naming the ancestors. Each of the 2026 Amavasai dates is suitable for this sacred duty. The best time for tarpanam is during midday, preferably on the banks of rivers or near water bodies. If unable to reach rivers, tarpanam can be performed at home as well.

Special Amavasai Days in 2026

While all Amavasai days are important for ancestral rituals, certain new moons have special significance:

• Mahalaya Amavasai (Pitru Paksha Amavasai): Falls in Purattasi/Asvina month, most important for ancestral rituals - considered equal to performing tarpanam on all other Amavasai days.
• Thai Amavasai: New moon in Thai month (January-February), highly auspicious for tarpanam.
• Aadi Amavasai: Falls in Aadi month, special for Amman worship and ancestral offerings.
• Aippasi Amavasai: Coincides with or near Deepavali, important for remembering ancestors.
• Karthigai Amavasai: New moon in Karthigai month, favorable for ancestral peace.
• Solar Eclipse Amavasai: When Amavasai coincides with solar eclipse, it becomes extremely powerful for spiritual practices.

How to Perform Amavasai Tarpanam

Follow these traditional steps for performing tarpanam on 2026 Amavasai dates:

• Preparation: Wake up early, take bath, wear clean clothes (preferably traditional attire).
• Materials Needed: Black sesame seeds, water, darbha grass, and a vessel.
• Timing: Perform tarpanam between 11 AM and 1 PM (madhyahna kalam) for best results.
• Location: Prefer river banks, seashore, or temple tanks. Home is acceptable if unable to travel.
• Ritual: Facing south, offer water mixed with sesame while chanting mantras and naming ancestors.
• Completion: Feed crows (believed to represent ancestors), Brahmins, and the poor.
• Fasting: Many observe fasting until tarpanam is completed.

Why Amavasai for Ancestral Rituals?

According to Hindu belief and Tamil tradition, the new moon day creates a special cosmic window when the veil between the living and the departed is thinnest. Ancestors are believed to visit the earthly realm on Amavasai to receive offerings from their descendants. The dark moon phase represents the realm of Pitrus (ancestors). By performing tarpanam and shraddha on 2026 Amavasai dates, we not only honor our ancestors but also receive their blessings for prosperity, health, and removal of pitru dosha (ancestral afflictions).

Amavasai and New Beginnings

While Amavasai is primarily for ancestral rituals, it also marks the end of one lunar cycle and the beginning of another. In Tamil tradition, Amavasai is generally avoided for starting new ventures, property registration, weddings, or house warming. However, it is considered powerful for spiritual practices, meditation, and inner work. The dark moon energy supports introspection, letting go of the past, and preparing for new beginnings that will manifest during the upcoming Valarpirai (waxing moon) phase starting the next day.

Amavasai Fasting and Spiritual Practices

Many devotees observe fasting on Amavasai for various spiritual purposes. The fast typically lasts from sunrise until tarpanam is completed or until moonrise. Some observe complete fasting (nirjala) while others consume fruits and milk. Amavasai is also considered powerful for Kali worship, Shiva meditation, and tantric practices in some traditions. The 2026 Amavasai dates are ideal for those wanting to establish a monthly spiritual discipline aligned with lunar cycles.

Importance of Feeding on Amavasai

After completing tarpanam rituals, feeding others is an essential part of Amavasai observance. Feeding crows is particularly important as they are believed to be messengers who carry offerings to ancestors. Providing meals to Brahmins who know the rituals, feeding the poor and hungry, and offering food at temples all contribute to ancestral satisfaction. Many families prepare special dishes on Amavasai and distribute them as part of their ancestral duties.

Conclusion

The 1 Amavasai dates in 2026 provide monthly opportunities to honor your ancestors and fulfill your sacred duties to departed family members. Whether you perform full tarpanam rituals or simply remember your ancestors with prayers and charity, Amavasai observance brings peace to the departed and blessings to the living. Use this calendar to plan your 2026 ancestral rituals and maintain this important connection with your lineage. May your ancestors' blessings bring prosperity and protection to your family throughout 2026.