Amavasya: Rituals, significance, do’s and don’ts

Amavasya means new moon or new moon day. Many beliefs for the day are followed by the people. The day signifies that something or somebody becomes absent, through that absence, their presence always becomes more powerful.

The same thing happens with the moon. When the moon is not there in the sky, the presence is felt even more, if it is compared to Poornima.

Amavasya falls once a month, this year, it will be observed on these dates:

• July 17, 2023, Monday: Shravana or Somvati Amavasya
• August 15, 2023, Tuesday: Adhika Darsha Amavasya
• September 14, 2023, Thursday: Bhadrapada Amavasya
• October 14, 2023, Saturday: Ashwina Amavasya
• November 13, 2023, Monday: Kartika Amavasya
• December 12, 2023, Tuesday: Margashirsha Amavasya

Puja rituals that can be followed on this day:

• One should wake up early in the morning and visit any temple.
• Take a bath in the holy river and perform havan, pitra tarpan, or pind daan
• Clothes can be offered to priests. Gayatri mantra can be recited as a ritual.
• If someone is not able to visit any holy river, they can pour some Gangajal in the bathing water.
• People can also worship Lord Shiva and the peepal tree
• Pitra Puja and Pitra Tarpan are also considered auspicious on this day.

Somvati Amavasya 2023

Somvati Amavasya will be observed on July 17, which is also known as Sharavan Amavasya or Haryali Amavasya, as it falls in the month of Sharavan, according to Hindu panchang. This Amavasya holds great significance as it falls on Monday. People can offer milk, black til, and water to Shivling.

Do’s and Don’ts

• People should avoid buying new clothes and footwear on this day.
• Auspicious activities on this day are not considered good.
• People must get involved in religious activities.
• Consuming alcohol and eating tamasic food on this auspicious day is not considered good.
• Donate food and clothes to the needy or Brahmins.