Ashadha
Amavasya

The Amavasya or No Moon day falling in the month of Ashadha (Krishna Paksha) is known as the Ashadha Amavasya. It is believed that ancestors come down to earth on this day to bless their descendants. Pitru Tarpan and Pind Pradhan performed on this day are considered highly auspicious. Bathing in holy rivers of religious places (Ganga, Yamuna) or pilgrimages also hold great significance on Ashadha Amavasya.

Ashadha Amavasya is also known as Gatari Amavasya in Maharashtra, Bheemana Amavasya in Karnataka, Chukkala Amavasya in Andhra Pradesh and Hariyali Amavasya in Gujarat

When in Ashadha Amavasya in 2026? Date & Timings

Ashadha Amavasya: Tuesday, 14 July 2026

Amavasya Tithi Begins: 18:49 PM on 13 June 2026

Amavasya Tithi Ends: 15:12 PM on 14 June 2026

Significance of Ashadha Amavasya

Ashadha Amavasya holds special importance in the Hindu calendar and is considered an auspicious day for spiritual and astrological practices. Many devotees spend the day in mantra chanting, meditation, and prayer to deepen their spiritual connection and seek inner peace.

According to traditional beliefs, Ashadha Amavasya is especially significant for performing remedies related to Rahu, Ketu, and Shani (Saturn). Devotees perform Pitru Tarpan and other ancestral rituals on this day to honour their forefathers and seek their blessings.

In Vedic astrology, Saturn is associated with karma, discipline, and hard work. Therefore, performing Tarpanam on Ashadha Amavasya is believed to help reduce the adverse effects of Shani and bring positive changes in life.

The day is also considered highly auspicious for Pitru Puja and charitable acts performed in memory of ancestors. Observing these traditions with faith is believed to bring peace, prosperity, and the blessings of one's ancestors.

Ashadha Amavasya Rituals and Puja Practices

Most people observing Ashadha Amavasya begin preparations early in the morning itself.

The exact rituals vary from family to family, but some practices are widely followed across different traditions.

• Wake up early in the Brahma Muhurta.
• Take a bath in a holy river or sacred water body.
• Offer Arghya (water offering) to Surya Dev (the Sun God).
• Clean the house and light a lamp.
• Place an idol or picture of Lord Shiva (Bholenath) on a wooden stool (chowki).
• Perform the Shodashopachara Puja (16-step worship). Apply a tilak of Roli, and offer flowers, Akshat (unbroken rice), incense (Dhoop), Panchamrit, and sweets.
• Listen to the Amavasya Vrat Katha with devotion.
• Perform the Aarti of Lord Shiva.
• Consume only a fruit-based diet (Falahaar) during the fast.
• Parana (Breaking the fast): The fast should be broken the next morning after performing the daily puja. Light a mustard oil lamp under a Peepal tree and remember your ancestors.

Ashadha Amavasya Vrat Vidhi

• Wake up early in the morning, take a bath, and wear clean clothes.
• Set up a puja altar with an image or idol of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
• Light a lamp (diya) and incense sticks to create a sacred atmosphere.
• Offer flowers, tulsi leaves, and fruits to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
• Read or listen to stories related to the Amavasya Vrat Katha especially Bhimana Amavasya story.
• Perform aarti and offer prayers with devotion and gratitude.
• Observe the Amavasya fast

• Avoid grains, onions, garlic, meat, alcohol, and tamasic activities; focus on simple sattvic nourishment if opting for a partial fast.
• The fast of Ashadha Amavasya usually extends for one day and one night. The next morning, after the Amavasya tithi has ended break the fast with a simple meal.

Ashadha Amavasya Fasting Rules

• Beans and grains are prohibited to eat on Amavasya.
• The killing of any animal is prohibited on this day for the devotee.
• Sleeping during the day is not allowed on Amavasya.

What not to eat on Ashadha Amavasya

During Ashadha Amavasya fast, devotees typically cease from consuming grains, lentils, certain vegetables, and specific spices. Here are some food items that are usually avoided during this fast:

• Wheat, rice, barley, corn, millet, etc. are avoided as they are grains.
• Beans, chickpeas, lentils, peas, etc. are avoided due to their grain-like properties.
• Onion and Garlic - These are believed to increase urges and therefore are generally avoided during Amavasya fasting.
• Brinjals and Mushrooms are considered tamasic and are avoided by some during Amavasya fasting.
• Some people avoid “hing” as it is believed to disturb the purity of the mind during fasting.
• All forms of meat, fish, and eggs are avoided during the fast.
• Consumption of alcohol and stimulants like caffeine is prohibited during Amavasya fasting.
• Fermented foods like yogurt, cheese, and vinegar are often avoided.
• Packaged and processed foods containing additives, preservatives, and artificial flavors are generally avoided as they are considered impure.

What to eat on Ashadha Amavasya Fast?

This is usually the first thing beginners search for. And the answer depends on how strictly someone keeps the vrat.

Some devotees observe Nirjala fasting without water. Others keep a partial fast and eat once. Many people stay on fruits and milk through the day.

Common foods during Ashadha Amavasya fasting include:

• sabudana
• potatoes
• makhana
• fruits
• milk
• dry fruits
• sweet potatoes

Simple food is preferred. Heavy meals usually defeat the purpose of fasting anyway.

Benefits of Ashadha Amavasya Vrat

• Devotees get blessed with prosperity and wealth
• Relief from financial problems
• Reduced anxiety and stress
• Good Health