Amavasya Dates 2020
It is believed that ancestors visit the earthly realm on Amavasya, and offerings made on this day bring peace and blessings to the family. There are 12 Amavasyas in a regular year and 13 in a lunar leap year. Among them, Mahalaya Amavasya and Somvati Amavasya (falling on a Monday) are considered the most significant.
All times shown in: Asia/Kolkata
| Date | Begins | Ends | Lunar Month | Paksha | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22-Feb-2020 | 22-Feb-2020 07:03 PM Saturday | 23-Feb-2020 09:02 PM Sunday | Phalguna | Krishna |
|
| 23-Mar-2020 | 23-Mar-2020 12:30 PM Monday | 24-Mar-2020 02:58 PM Tuesday | Chaitra | Krishna |
|
| 22-Apr-2020 | 22-Apr-2020 05:38 AM Wednesday | 23-Apr-2020 07:55 AM Thursday | Vaishakha | Krishna |
|
| 21-May-2020 | 21-May-2020 09:36 PM Thursday | 22-May-2020 11:08 PM Friday | Jyeshtha | Krishna |
|
| 20-Jun-2020 | 20-Jun-2020 11:52 AM Saturday | 21-Jun-2020 12:11 PM Sunday | Ashadha | Krishna |
|
| 20-Jul-2020 | 20-Jul-2020 12:10 AM Monday | 20-Jul-2020 11:02 PM Monday | Shravana | Krishna |
|
| 18-Aug-2020 | 18-Aug-2020 10:40 AM Tuesday | 19-Aug-2020 08:11 AM Wednesday | Bhadrapada | Krishna |
|
| 16-Sep-2020 | 16-Sep-2020 07:57 PM Wednesday | 17-Sep-2020 04:30 PM Thursday | Ashvina | Krishna |
|
| 16-Oct-2020 | 16-Oct-2020 04:53 AM Friday | 17-Oct-2020 01:01 AM Saturday | Adhika Ashvina | Krishna |
|
| 14-Nov-2020 | 14-Nov-2020 02:18 PM Saturday | 15-Nov-2020 10:37 AM Sunday | Kartika | Krishna |
|
| 14-Dec-2020 | 14-Dec-2020 12:45 AM Monday | 14-Dec-2020 09:46 PM Monday | Margashirsha | Krishna |
|
Amavasya – Significance, Rituals & Observances
What is Amavasya?
Amavasya is the new moon day in the Hindu lunar calendar, occurring once every month on the 30th tithi of the Krishna Paksha, when the moon is not visible in the sky.
What is the significance of Amavasya?
Amavasya is considered highly auspicious for performing Pitru Tarpan — rituals to honour and appease ancestors. It is believed that ancestors visit the earthly realm on this day, and offerings made to them bring blessings to the family.
What rituals are performed on Amavasya?
Common rituals include taking a holy bath, performing Pitru Tarpan with water and sesame seeds, offering food to crows (considered messengers of ancestors), lighting a diya, and visiting temples dedicated to Lord Shiva or Lord Vishnu.
Which Amavasya is the most significant?
Mahalaya Amavasya, falling in the month of Bhadrapada, is considered the most significant as it marks the end of Pitru Paksha. Somvati Amavasya — when Amavasya falls on a Monday — is also considered especially powerful.
Is fasting observed on Amavasya?
Yes, many devotees observe a fast on Amavasya, especially those performing Pitru Tarpan. The fast is typically broken after completing the rituals. Some devotees consume only fruits and milk throughout the day.
