Bhadrapada
Amavasya
2026

Bhadrapada Amavasya observed in the Krishna Paksha of the Bhadrapada month and is viewed as a day of devotion, remembrance of ancestors and gratitude towards nature. Bhadrapada Amavasya is also known as Mahalaya Amavasya, Bhadon Amavasya, Pithori Amavasya, Bhadi Amavasya.

When in Bhadrapada Amavasya in 2026? Date & Timings

Bhadrapada Amavasya: Friday, 11 September 2026

Amavasya Tithi Begins: 10:33 AM on 11 Spetember 2026

Amavasya Tithi Ends: 08:56 AM on 11 Spetember 2026

Significance of Bhadrapada Amavasya

As per the Vedas, heavan's gates open on this day and the ancestors come to Earth to give blessings. Devotees perform ceremonies for their ancestors . The Shraddha or Tarpanam ceremony is one of the most important rituals done on this day. Tarpanam is the practice of presenting food, drink, and prayers to one's ancestors in order to get their blessings and forgiveness for any sins or wrongdoings.

It is believed that performing rituals on Bhadrapada Amavasya helps one getting rid of Kaal Sarp Dosha.

Bhadrapada Amavasya 2026 is highly auspicious as it falls on Saturday, the day of Lord Shani

Bhadrapada Amavasya Rituals and Puja Practices

Most people observing Bhadrapada 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 diya under a Peepal tree and remember your ancestors.
• This Amavasya is also believed to be the day of Shani Dev, therefore worshipping the deity on this day is very important.

Bhadrapada 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 Bhadrapada 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.

Bhadrapada 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 Bhadrapada Amavasya

During Bhadrapada 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 Bhadrapada 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 Bhadrapada 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 Bhadrapada Amavasya

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