Ancestral Reverence Calendar 2026
Amavasya Dates 2026
Amavasya Dates 2026
All 12 Amavasya (new moon) dates Pitru Tarpan guide, Shraddha rituals & significance of each no-moon day
What is Amavasya?
Amavasya ( ) is the new moon day -- the 30th tithi of Krishna Paksha when the moon is not visible. It is the most important day for Pitru (ancestral) rites. Performing Shraddha, Tarpan and charity on Amavasya is said to appease departed ancestors and bring their blessings to the family. Bathing in sacred rivers on Amavasya is highly meritorious.
All 12 Amavasya Dates -- 2026
Jan 18 Sun
Past
Mauni Amavasya Mauni
Most sacred. Observe silence. Holy dip at Prayagraj during Magha Mela.
Feb 17 Tue
Past
Falgun Amavasya Falgun
Maha Shivaratri was Feb 18. Ancestral Shraddha and Pitru Tarpan.
Mar 18 Wed
Past
Chaitra Amavasya Chaitra
Pitru Tarpan before Navratri begins. Seek ancestral blessings.
Apr 17 Fri
Upcoming
Vaishakh Amavasya Vaishakh
Holy dip in sacred rivers. Donate water pots and food.
May 16 Sat
Upcoming
Jyeshtha Amavasya Jyeshtha
Ancestral rites and Pitru Tarpan. Donate water in summer.
Jun 14 Sun
Upcoming
Adhik Maas Amavasya Adhik Maas
Extra Amavasya of the Adhik lunar month in 2026. Rare occurrence.
Jul 14 Tue
Upcoming
Ashadha Amavasya Ashadha
Pitru Tarpan. Donate umbrellas and water pots.
Aug 12 Wed
Upcoming
Shravana Amavasya Hariyali
Hariyali Amavasya - tree planting. Ancestral rites.
Sep 10 Thu
Upcoming
Bhadrapad Amavasya Bhadrapad
Pitru Paksha ongoing. Perform Shraddha for departed souls.
Oct 10 Sat
Special
Mahalaya Amavasya Sarva Pitru
Most important Amavasya. Pitru Paksha ends. Grand Shraddha.
Nov 9 Mon
Special
Kartik Amavasya / Diwali Diwali
Diwali. Lakshmi puja at night. Diyas lit to welcome light.
Dec 9 Wed
Upcoming
Margashirsha Amavasya Margashirsha
Pitru Tarpan. Donate warm clothing as winter begins.
How to Perform Pitru Tarpan
- Wake before sunrise and take a bath (holy dip in river if accessible)
- Wear clean clothes -- white or light colours preferred
- Face south (direction of ancestors / Pitru Loka)
- Take water in your cupped palms with sesame seeds (til) and kusha grass
- Offer water while chanting the gotra and name of the departed ancestor
- Repeat three times for each ancestor (father, grandfather, great-grandfather etc.)
- Offer cooked food (kheer, rice, dal) for Shraddha if performing full rites
- Feed Brahmins and crows -- crows are considered messengers of ancestors
- Donate food, clothes, or money in the name of the ancestor
Note: The most important Amavasya for Pitru Tarpan is Mahalaya Amavasya (Sep 20, 2026) -- the final day of Pitru Paksha when all 16 days of ancestral rites culminate.