Amavasya 2026 Date and Time for This Month: All Masya Tithi

Amavasya in Hindi or Masya in Punjabi refers to the new-moon day of the traditional Hindu lunar calendar. Amavasya is the last lunar day of Krishna Paksha. It is the fortnight when the Moon appears to shrink. The Moon’s sunlit side faces away from Earth and becomes invisible to us on Amavasya day. Amavasya occurs approximately every 29.5 days. That’s why a Gregorian calendar year usually contains 12 or 13 new moons.

Amavasya means the new moon, while Purnima, also called Puranmashi in Punjabi, means the full moon. An Amavasya tithi can begin or end during the day or night and does not necessarily last from midnight to midnight. Observance rules and time zones can impact the calendar date, so please refer to the local Panchang for accurate date and ritual timings.

In many Hindu traditions, Amavasya is observed as an important day to remember the departed ancestors by way of prayer, Tarpan, Shraddha, and charity. Some devotees observe Amavasya by bathing, fasting, meditating, visiting temples, and feeding the needy. Fasting is not for everyone.

Amavasya falling on a Monday is called Somvati Amavasya, while Amavasya falling on a Saturday is called Shani Amavasya. Mauni Amavasya occurs in the month of Magha according to the North Indian calendar and is associated with sacred bathing and the practice of silence. Sarva Pitru Amavasya provides an occasion to perform Shraddha for ancestors whose death tithi is unknown or whose observance was missed during Pitru Paksha. The main Lakshmi Puja of Diwali is associated with Amavasya. It is showing that the day is also connected with celebration and worship.

Amavasya should not be described as universally unlucky, because its religious meaning depends on the tradition and occasion.

Some Hindu traditions avoid weddings, housewarming ceremonies, and similar auspicious events on Amavasya. In Punjab, some gurdwaras hold special congregations on Amavasya. Tarn Taran and Muktsar have particularly established traditions of gatherings.