Ashwin
Amavasya
2026

Ashwin Amavasya is observed in the Krishna Paksha in Ashwin month (Septmber-October). Ashwin Amavasya is also known as Sarva Pitru Amavasya or Mahalaya Amavasya.

Shardiya Navratri is celebrated the next day of Ashwin Amavasya.

When in Ashwin Amavasya in 2026? Date & Timings

Ashwin Amavasya: Saturday, 10 October 2026

Amavasya Tithi Begins: 09:35 PM on 09 October 2026

Amavasya Tithi Ends: 09:19 PM on 10 October 2026

On Ashwin Amavasya, devotees clean their houses as the next day the Shardiya Navratri begins.

Significance of Ashwin Amavasya 2026

Ashwin Amavasya is considered the most sacred day for honoring the ancestors and pray for the liberation of their souls. Hence the name comes Sarva Pitru Amavasya.

On this day, Shraadh ends, and the ancestors return back pitra lok after blessing their ancestors. Devotees offer food, water, remembrance so that ancestors do not return unsatisfied.

Devotees also offer food and water to birds and animals, specially to crows. In some areas, devotees also offer water to Banyan tree (Peepal tree).

Ashwin Amavasya Rituals and Puja Practices

Most people observing Ashwin 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.
• Perform final offerings to the ancestors. Offer water, bhoj, flowers to the ancestors. Senior male members wear sacred white thread (Janeu) on the right shoulder
• Listen to the Amavasya Vrat Katha with devotion.
• After the arrangements, invite Brahmins for lunch and offer food (prasad) with full respect.
• Observe the Amavasya fast. 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 diya under a Peepal tree and remember your ancestors.

Ashwin 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 Hariyali 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 Ashwin 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.

Ashwin 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 Ashwin Amavasya

During Ashwin 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 Ashwin 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 Ashwin 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 performing the Rituals on Ashwin Amavasya 2026

Here are the benefits of performing the rituals on the sacred day of Ashwin Amavasya 2026

• liberation from pitra dosh
• salvation of the ancestor's souls
• blessings from the ancestors
• peace and connection with the ancestors