Thai Amavasai (தை அமாவாசை)
New Moon Day in Thai — Ancestor Worship
About Thai Amavasai
Thai Amavasai is the new moon day (Amavasai) in the Tamil month of Thai (January–February). It is one of the most significant Amavasai days of the year for performing Pitru Tarpanam — rituals offering water and sesame to deceased ancestors.
Significance
Thai Amavasai falls during the holy month of Thai, which follows Pongal and is considered an auspicious month. The new moon in Thai is believed to be especially powerful for ancestor propitiation. Families visit river banks, the sea, or sacred tanks to perform Tarpanam and pray for the peace of their ancestors' souls.
How the Date is Calculated
Thai Amavasai is the Amavasai (new moon) occurring in the Tamil solar month of Thai (mid-January to mid-February). The exact date varies each year as Amavasai follows the lunar calendar within the solar month.
How It is Celebrated
- Thai Amavasai — Tarpanam (water offering) to ancestors at dawn
- Visit to sacred rivers, sea, or temple tanks
- Homam and puja for pitrus (ancestors)
- Feeding Brahmins and the poor as an offering to ancestors
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Thai Amavasai important for ancestor worship?
Thai Amavasai is considered one of the most powerful days for Pitru Tarpanam (ancestor worship). The Tamil month of Thai is auspicious following Pongal, and the new moon amplifies the efficacy of ancestral rites. Performing Tarpanam on this day is believed to relieve the souls of ancestors and bring blessings to the family.
What is Tarpanam?
Tarpanam is a ritual of offering water mixed with sesame (til) seeds and sacred grass (darbha) to deceased ancestors. It is typically performed at sacred water bodies — rivers, the sea, or temple tanks — while reciting mantras naming the ancestors. It is done on every new moon (Amavasai), with Thai Amavasai being especially important.
When is Thai Amavasai 2026?
Thai Amavasai falls on the new moon in the Tamil month of Thai, usually in January or February. See the exact 2026 date in the festival calendar above.