Margashirsha
Amavasya
2026

Margashirsha Amavasya is observed in the month of Margashirsha (November-December). It is also known as Agrahayana Amavasya.

Performing rituals on this day doubles the benefits of normal Amavasya.

When in Margashirsha Amavasya in 2026? Date & Timings

Margashirsha Amavasya: Tuesday, 08 December 2026

Amavasya Tithi Begins: 04:12 AM on 08 December 2026

Amavasya Tithi Ends: 06:21 AM on 09 December 2026

Significance of Margashirsha Amavasya

As per the Vedas, Margashirsha Amavasya is considered highly auspicious. Here is what makes the Margashirsha Amavasya special:

• Legends say Satyug started from Margashirsha month. Ritual performed on this day helps in connecting with the Satyug
• In Bhagvad Gita, Lord Krishna said that Margashirsha month is his own form.
• Performing rituals for ancestors helps in liberation from Pitra Dosh

Margashirsha Amavasya Rituals and Puja Practices

Most people observing Margashirsha 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.
• Setu the altar with Lord Vishnu idols placed.
• Offer tulsi leaves, flowers, dhoop to Lord Vishnu.
• Read the Satyanarayana Katha or Vishnu Sahasranama path.
• Perform offerings to the ancestors. Offer water, bhoj, flowers to the ancestors.
• Listen to the Amavasya Vrat Katha with devotion.
• 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.

Margashirsha 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
• 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 Margashirsha 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.

Margashirsha 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 Margashirsha Amavasya

During Margashirsha 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 Margashirsha 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 Margashirsha 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 Margashirsha Amavasya

Here are the benefits of performing rituals on Margashirsha Amavasya:

• Feeding flour balls to fishes opens new doors for the career and business
• Performing Sheet Kaal daan and donating umbrellas and wollen clothes to poor people pleases Shani Dev and brings good luck.
• Offering food and water to ancestors pleases the ancestors and helps in liberation of ancestors