Amavasya: Significance, Pitru Tarpan and What to Do on the New Moon
Why Amavasya is the day of the ancestors, how to offer tarpan, special Amavasyas like Mauni, Somvati and Mahalaya, and what tradition says to avoid.
Amavasya, the new moon, ends every lunar month in the Amanta calendar. The Moon is invisible, sitting in the same part of the sky as the Sun. Tradition treats this dark night as a doorway to the world of the ancestors (Pitrs), so it is the foremost day for tarpan and shraddha. Find the next Amavasya date for your city.
The astronomy
Amavasya is the 30th tithi, from 348° to 360° of Moon–Sun separation. The exact new moon (conjunction) happens at the end of Amavasya tithi. The next instant, Shukla Pratipada begins and the new lunar month starts.
Why Amavasya is for the ancestors
The Garuda Purana and other texts describe the Pitrs as dwelling on the far side of the Moon. At Amavasya, when that side faces the Sun, they are said to be most receptive to offerings. Water with sesame (til) offered with their names, called tarpan, is believed to satisfy them and bring blessings to the family.
A simple tarpan at home
- Bathe in the morning and wear clean clothes.
- Face south, the direction of the Pitrs.
- Take water in a copper vessel with black sesame, kusha grass and a little milk.
- Offering it through the right palm (the pitru tirtha, between thumb and index finger), say the names of father, grandfather and great-grandfather, or simply "to all my ancestors".
- Feed a cow, crows, dogs or a person in need, and give food or grain in charity.
For a full shraddha, families usually invite a priest. The most important annual period is Pitru Paksha, the fortnight that ends on Mahalaya Amavasya.
Special Amavasyas
- Mahalaya Amavasya (Sarva Pitru Amavasya): ends Pitru Paksha; shraddha for all ancestors, including those whose death date is unknown.
- Diwali Amavasya: the night of Lakshmi Puja. See SpiritualMarg's Diwali guide and the Lakshmi Aarti.
- Mauni Amavasya (Magha): observed in silence with a holy dip, especially at Prayagraj.
- Somvati Amavasya: an Amavasya on Monday; married women circle the peepal tree.
- Shani Amavasya: an Amavasya on Saturday, considered powerful for Shani remedies.
- Hariyali Amavasya (Shravana): planting trees and worship of nature.
What tradition says to avoid
Amavasya is not chosen for weddings, griha pravesh, new ventures or major purchases. Many families avoid cutting hair and nails, and some avoid travel at night. These are customs rather than rules for everyone; follow what your family observes.
Amavasya and the lunar month name
In North India, the Amavasya before Diwali is called "Kartika Amavasya", while in the Amanta calendar the same night is "Ashwin Amavasya". The date is the same. We explain why in Amanta vs Purnimanta.