Amavasya 2025 dates, timings, rituals, significance, dos and don'ts to follow

Amavaysa Dates and Timings in 2025: Amavasya, also called New Moon Day, is a holy day in Hinduism. ItĄ¯s a time to remember and honour our ancestors and forefathers. This day happens once every month and can be determined using the Hindu Panchang, which is a traditional Hindu calendar.

On Amavasya, certain activities are not recommended. These include getting married, getting engaged, performing a Mundan (a traditional head-shaving ceremony), or moving into a new home (known as Griha Pravesh). These activities are considered unlucky on this day.

However, there are good deeds you can do on Amavasya. For instance, you can take a holy dip in the sacred Ganga river, perform prayers for your ancestors (known as Pitru Puja), offer food to Brahmins, and donate to charity.

Some Amavasya days are particularly significant, such as Mauni Amavasya, Somvati Amavasya, Shanichari Amavasya, Kartik Amavasya, Mahalaya Amavasya or Sarva Pitri Amavasya, Hariyali Amavasya, and Vat Amavasya.

In astrology, Amavasya is not seen as a strong or favourable day because the Moon is in its waning phase. This can be challenging for people whose birth charts have an unfavourable Moon placement. To counter this, special prayers can be offered to Saturn and ancestors, and rituals like offering water to the Moon and Lord Shiva can be performed.

Amavasya is a day to honour your ancestors and perform good deeds, but it is not suitable for certain important activities. For those with a challenging Moon position in their birth chart, itĄ¯s important to take extra care and perform the recommended prayers and rituals.

What is the meaning of Amavasya?

Amavasya, derived from Sanskrit, translates to "No Moon Day" or "No Moon dwelling in the sky." The term comprises "a" meaning "Not present" or "Absence of," "ma" which is another word for the Moon in Sanskrit, and "vasya"/"vas" which translates to "to be put on" or "to dwell."

What is the Significnace of Amavasya?

Amavasya, or the New Moon Day, is an important occasion in Hindu culture. It is seen as a day for showing respect to ancestors and for engaging in spiritual practices. It is also a time to be cautious of negative influences.

Respecting Ancestors

Amavasya is mainly observed to honour ancestors, known as Pitrs. Hindus believe that on this day, the souls of ancestors visit their families. To show respect, people perform rituals like Pitru Tarpan, Pitru Puja, and Pind Daan. These involve offering food, water, and prayers to seek blessings and guidance from their ancestors.

Spiritual Practices

Many people use Amavasya as a day for self-reflection and spiritual growth. They may fast, pray, meditate, or give to charity. These activities are believed to cleanse the mind and soul, helping to overcome negativity and encourage personal growth.

Astrological Beliefs

In astrology, Amavasya is linked to the MoonĄ¯s waning phase. It is thought to be a less favourable time for starting new projects or making big decisions. However, it is considered a good time for activities that involve reflection, healing, and spiritual renewal.

Dealing with Negative Influences

For those whose astrological charts show challenges related to the Moon, Amavasya is a good time for remedies. These might include prayers or rituals dedicated to Lord Shiva and Saturn, which are believed to reduce the MoonĄ¯s negative effects.

A Natural Event

Amavasya is also a natural event that occurs when the Moon is not visible in the night sky. This reminds us of lifeĄ¯s cycles and the themes of change and renewal that are part of nature.

Amavasya encourages us to reflect on life, honour our ancestors, and focus on spiritual growth. It highlights the connection between nature, spirituality, and the importance of staying rooted in tradition.

Amavasya 2025: Do's and Don'ts to follow on Amavasya

Dos:

- Perform prayers or rituals dedicated to your ancestors (Pitru Puja).

- Give charity or donations to the needy.

- Take a holy bath in a sacred river, such as the Ganga.

- Offer food to Brahmins or priests.

- Perform hawan or fire rituals.

- Offer water to the Moon and Lord Shiva.

Don'ts:

- Avoid getting married, engaged, or having a Mundan (head-shaving ceremony).

- Avoid moving into a new house (Griha Pravesh).

- Refrain from starting new ventures or significant activities.

- Avoid consuming non-vegetarian food.

- Avoid consuming alcohol or other intoxicants.

- Refrain from engaging in negative or harmful activities.

(Date & Timings Source: Drikpanchang & prokerala)

(Note: Dates/timings may be subject to change; details mentioned here are as per the information available.)

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