Amavasai (அமாவாசை)
New Moon Day — Monthly Ancestor Worship
Amavasai Dates in 2026
→ All 2026 festivalsAbout Amavasai
Amavasai (Amavasya) is the new moon day (dark moon) that occurs every lunar month. In Tamil and Hindu tradition, Amavasai is the most important day for Pitru Tarpanam — the offering of water and sesame to deceased ancestors. It is observed as a day of fasting, prayer, and ancestor propitiation.
Significance
According to Hindu belief, the souls of departed ancestors visit the family on Amavasai day to receive offerings. Performing Tarpanam on this day is believed to free the ancestors from sufferings in the afterlife, and in return, the ancestors bless the family with health, prosperity, and children. Some Amavasai days are especially important — Thai Amavasai, Karthigai Amavasai, Mahalaya Amavasai (Mahalayam), and the Amavasai during Aadi month.
How the Date is Calculated
Amavasai occurs each month when the Moon's longitude equals the Sun's — the moment of zero elongation known as the New Moon. It falls on a different Gregorian date each month. There are 12–13 Amavasai days in a year.
How It is Celebrated
- Dawn: sacred bath (Ganga Snanam) in river, sea, or temple tank
- Tarpanam — offering of water and sesame (til) to ancestors
- Pinda Pradanam at sacred sites like Rameswaram, Kashi, or Gaya
- Fasting and lighting of oil lamps for ancestors
- Feeding Brahmins and the poor as proxy offerings to ancestors
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tarpanam on Amavasai?
Tarpanam is a ritual of offering water mixed with sesame seeds (til) and sacred grass (darbha) to deceased ancestors, while reciting their names and lineage (Gotra). It is ideally performed at sacred water bodies. On Amavasai, this ritual is believed to be most potent.
Which Amavasai days are most important?
Several Amavasai days carry special importance: Mahalaya Amavasai (the new moon of Purattasi month — the most important of all), Thai Amavasai (January–February), Karthigai Amavasai (November–December), and the Amavasai during Aadi (July–August) month. Each has additional religious significance beyond the regular monthly Tarpanam.
Can women perform Tarpanam on Amavasai?
In traditional practice, Tarpanam is performed by male members of the family. However, women may observe the Amavasai day with fasting, prayer, and lighting lamps for the ancestors. In many families today, women also participate in simplified forms of the ritual.
Why should one not buy oil on Amavasai?
A widely held belief in Tamil culture advises against purchasing oil on Amavasai. This traditional guideline is rooted in the day's association with the ancestors and the spirit world — practices that might spread impurity or disturb the sanctity of the observance.