In the Hindu calendar, Amavasya, also known as New Moon Day, is a special day that marks the beginning of the brighter half (Shukla Paksha) of the lunar month. It happens roughly once a month, coinciding with the time when the Moon is invisible in the night sky.
Think of Amavasya as a time of deep darkness. The moon completely disappears, leaving behind a sense of mystery and quiet. But here's the interesting part: despite the darkness, Amavasya is a significant day in Hinduism. Many religious practices and rituals are observed on this day, making it a time for spiritual reflection and connection.
Let’s learn more about Amavasya and the Amavasya dates in 2024.
The New Moon Day, or Amavasya Day, marks an important Tithi in the Hindu calendar, and it is one of the most meaningful times of the year. In the Hindu calendar, among the 30 Lunar phases or Tithis that make up a Lunar month, Amavasya is the day when there is no Moon visible in the sky. Amavasya occurs once a month, i.e., there are 12 such New Moon days that occur in an entire year. Similarly, there are 12 Full Moon Days in a year. Amavasya also marks the start of the Shukla Paksha (the bright fortnight) of the Lunar month.
According to Hinduism, Amavasya is the New Moon night, which is the first night of the first quarter of a Lunar month. The New Moon happens when the Moon comes between the Earth and the Sun. The New Moon appears to be in an invisible phase during this time. On Amavasya day, the side of the Moon that is facing toward the Earth is not illuminated by the Sun; only the side towards the Sun is illuminated; therefore, the Moon becomes invisible to our naked eyes at night. This is because of the alignment between the Sun and Moon, i.e., the Sun-Moon conjunction.
Undoubtedly, Amavasya is one of the most powerful times of the year. Therefore, people observe significant rituals and customs throughout India on this day.
Here is the Amavasya calendar 2024! Given below is the detailed Amavasya date list consisting of Amavasya dates and timings for the year 2024. This article presents all the dates and timings in the local time of Delhi, India.
January Avmavasya: 11th January 2024 (Thursday)- Pausha, Krishna Amavasya ( Tithi Starts- 10th January 2024, 08:10 PM to Tithi Ends- 11th January 2024, 05:26 PM)
February Avmavasya: 9th February 2024 (Friday)- Magha, Krishna Amavasya (Tithi Starts- 9th February 2024, 08:02 AM to Tithi Ends- 10th February 2024, 04:28 AM)
March Avmavasya: 10th March 2024 (Sunday)- Phalguna, Krishna Amavasya ( Tithi Starts- 9th March 2024, 06:17 PM to Tithi Ends- 10th March 2024, 02:29 PM )
April Avmavasya: 8th April 2024 (Monday)- Chaitra, Krishna Amavasya ( Tithi Starts- 8th April 2024, 3:21 AM to Tithi Ends- 8th April 2024, 11:50 PM)
Dharsh Avmavasya: 7th May 2024 (Tuesday)- Vaishakha, Krishna Amavasya ( Tithi Starts- 7th May 2024, 11:40 AM to Tithi Ends- 8th May 2024, 08:51 AM)
May Avmavasya: 8th May 2024 (Wednesday)- Vaishakha, Krishna Amavasya (Tithi Starts- 7th May 2024, 11:40 AM to Tithi Ends- 8th May 2024, 08:51 AM)
June Avmavasya: 6th June 2024 (Thursday)- Jyeshtha, Krishna Amavasya ( Tithi Starts- 5th June 2024, 07:54 PM to Tithi Ends- 6th June 2024, 06:07 PM)
July Avmavasya: 5th July 2024 (Friday)- Ashadha, Krishna Amavasya ( Tithi Starts- 5th July 2024, 04:57 AM to Tithi Ends- 6th July 2024, 04:26 AM)
August Avmavasya: 4th August 2024 (Sunday)- Shravana, Krishna Amavasya ( Tithi Starts- 3rd August 2024, 03:50 PM to Tithi Ends- 4th August 2024, 04:42 PM)
September Avmavasya: 2nd September 2024 (Monday)- Bhadrapada, Krishna Amavasya ( Tithi Starts- 2nd September 2024, 05:21 AM to Tithi Ends- 3rd September 2024, 07:24 AM)
October Avmavasya: 2nd October 2024 (Wednesday)- Ashwina, Krishna Amavasya (Tithi Starts- 1st October 2024, 09:39 PM to Tithi Ends- 3rd October 2024, 12:18 AM )
November Avmavasya: 1st November 2024 (Friday)- Kartika, Krishna Amavasya (Tithi Starts- 31st October 2024, 03:52 PM to Tithi Ends- 1st November 2024, 06:16 PM)
Darsh Avmavasya: 30th November 2024 (Saturday)- Margashirsha, Krishna Amavasya ( Tithi Starts- 30th November 2024, 10:29 AM to Tithi Ends- 1st December 2024, 11:50 AM)
December Avmavasya: 1st December 2024 (Sunday)- Margashirsha, Krishna Amavasya ( Tithi Starts- 30th November 2024, 10:29 AM to Tithi Ends- 1st December 2024, 11:50 AM)
December Avmavasya: 30th December 2024 (Monday)- Pausha, Krishna Amavasya ( Tithi Starts- 30th December 2024, 04:01 AM to Tithi Ends- 31st December 2024, 03:56 PM)
As mentioned above, there are 12 New Moon days in a year, and each has its own importance. In Hinduism, Amavasya has enormous relevance, which is why the Amavasya Tithi is associated with many fasts and festivals.
Below are the reasons why Amavasya is considered significant.
The Amavasya, which falls on a Monday (Somvaar), is known as the Somvati Amavasya, and when it falls on Saturday, it is called Shani Amavasya. Amavasya has a unique importance when it falls on a Monday. It is believed that observing an Amavasya Vrat (fast) on this particular day can prove to be meritorious for the devotees. One of the Amavasya benefits is that a fast on this particular day can safeguard women from widowhood, and those who want to become mothers will have their wishes fulfilled. Additionally, by observing the Amavasya fast, an individual's wishes will be granted, and one's aspirations will be accomplished. On the occasion of Somvati Amavasya, throngs of devotees visit religious and spiritual pilgrimage sites such as Varanasi, Haridwar, etc. Devotees believe that taking a sacred dip in a holy river on this day can be quite beneficial to get rid of sins and also help you lead a pious life.
According to the Garuda Purana, a Hindu scripture, one's ancestors visit the Earth on Amavasya. It is mentioned in the Puranas that by worshiping one's ancestors and donating to the poor on Amavasya, an individual's evil deeds and sins are absolved. Amavasya is believed to be the appropriate day to perform Shraddh rituals to appease the ancestors and pay them homage. This is why this day is held in reverence by many. If the descendants don't offer prayers and food to the forefathers, they may get displeased. Therefore, you must pray, make offerings, and seek your ancestors' blessings. Worshiping the ancestors also ushers happiness and prosperity into your lives.
The 'festival of lights,' Diwali, also falls on Amavasya, in the month of Kartik, as per the Hindu calendar. Hands down, Diwali is one of the most important Amavasya festivals celebrated by people. Diwali is regarded as the darkest night of the year. It is believed this is the night when the negative and evil powers have the strongest potential. However, this night is celebrated in India by burning Diyas and decorating their homes and surroundings with lights. The lights and the vibrant celebrations ward off all the negative energies.
Amavasya plays a significant role in the prevention of Pitra Dosha. On this day, taking a bath with sacred water, donating, and doing Tarpan are regarded as highly beneficial for all.
As per Amavasya astrology, Amavasya is an appropriate day to perform the Kalsarpa Dosha Puja.
Some of the most popular Amavasya days are Bhaumvati Amavasya, Mauni Amavasya, Shani Jayanti, Mahalaya Amavasya (Pitru Paksha), Somvati Amavasya, Shani Amavasya, Hariyali Amavasya, to name a few.
Even when the Moon is not present, the absence makes it even more potent than before. In fact, the Moon becomes of more significance, and its absence is felt more on Amavasya.
As the Amavasya date is the darkest night of the Lunar month, many cultures and people believe that Amavasya Tithi is not auspicious for completing any promising work. People usually assume that the energies prevalent during Amavasya can have harmful effects on an individual's mental and physical well-being. This day can also harm a person's nature and behavior. It's a common belief that people feel everything is extreme during the New Moon Day. Additionally, it is believed that our subconscious mind is heavily affected by Amavasya and is pretty vulnerable. In astrology, it is typically believed that the Moon affects the mind. Therefore, the No Moon Day is believed to make the mind vulnerable.
According to Hinduism, any auspicious work or promising ventures are avoided on Amavasya. Auspicious work or events like a Griha Pravesh ceremony (housewarming ceremony), buying of vehicles, property, or assets, Naming or Namkaran ceremony, purchasing of jewelry, traveling, and important business transactions and dealings are to be avoided on this day. The night of Amavasya is considered inauspicious as evil powers are believed to be the most potent during this time. Some even carry out 'Tantrik' or black magic activities on this day.
However, Amavasya has special religious and spiritual significance. This time of the month is devoted to worshiping, offering prayers, and conducting Pujas. As mentioned previously, this is also the ideal time to remember your ancestors and departed family members. This is why many Hindus chose this day to offer prayers (Pitru Tarpanam) to their ancestors. On the New Moon day, many devotees observe the Amavasya Vrat (fast) for success, good fortune, and happiness and to seek the blessings of their forefathers.
All in all, you can’t deny the importance of Amavasya!
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