Amavasya Dates 2023
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 | Moon Phase | Moon Position | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21-Jan-2023 |
Begins: 21-Jan-2023 06:18 AM Saturday
Ends: 22-Jan-2023 02:23 AM Sunday
|
Pausha |
|
Sagittarius 24.5°
Purva Ashadha (Pada 4)
|
|
|
| 19-Feb-2023 |
Begins: 19-Feb-2023 04:18 PM Sunday
Ends: 20-Feb-2023 12:35 PM Monday
|
Magha |
|
Capricorn 24.3°
Dhanishta (Pada 1)
|
|
|
| 21-Mar-2023 |
Begins: 21-Mar-2023 01:47 AM Tuesday
Ends: 21-Mar-2023 10:53 PM Tuesday
|
Phalguna |
|
Aquarius 23.8°
Purva Bhadrapada (Pada 2)
|
|
|
| 19-Apr-2023 |
Begins: 19-Apr-2023 11:24 AM Wednesday
Ends: 20-Apr-2023 09:42 AM Thursday
|
Chaitra |
|
Pisces 22.7°
Revati (Pada 2)
|
|
|
| 18-May-2023 |
Begins: 18-May-2023 09:43 PM Thursday
Ends: 19-May-2023 09:23 PM Friday
|
Vaisakha |
|
Aries 21.3°
Bharani (Pada 3)
|
|
|
| 17-Jun-2023 |
Begins: 17-Jun-2023 09:12 AM Saturday
Ends: 18-Jun-2023 10:07 AM Sunday
|
Jyeshtha |
|
Taurus 19.5°
Rohini (Pada 3)
|
|
|
| 16-Jul-2023 |
Begins: 16-Jul-2023 10:08 PM Sunday
Ends: 18-Jul-2023 12:01 AM Tuesday
|
Ashadha |
|
Gemini 17.7°
Ardra (Pada 4)
|
|
|
| 15-Aug-2023 |
Begins: 15-Aug-2023 12:43 PM Tuesday
Ends: 16-Aug-2023 03:08 PM Wednesday
|
Adhika Shravana |
|
Cancer 16.0°
Pushya (Pada 4)
|
|
|
| 14-Sep-2023 |
Begins: 14-Sep-2023 04:49 AM Thursday
Ends: 15-Sep-2023 07:09 AM Friday
|
Shravana |
|
Leo 14.7°
Purva Phalguni (Pada 1)
|
|
|
| 13-Oct-2023 |
Begins: 13-Oct-2023 09:51 PM Friday
Ends: 14-Oct-2023 11:25 PM Saturday
|
Bhadrapada |
|
Virgo 13.9°
Hasta (Pada 2)
|
|
|
| 12-Nov-2023 |
Begins: 12-Nov-2023 02:45 PM Sunday
Ends: 13-Nov-2023 02:57 PM Monday
|
Ashvina |
|
Libra 13.5°
Swati (Pada 3)
|
|
|
| 12-Dec-2023 |
Begins: 12-Dec-2023 06:24 AM Tuesday
Ends: 13-Dec-2023 05:02 AM Wednesday
|
Kartika |
|
Scorpio 13.5°
Anuradha (Pada 4)
|
|
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.