Ashadha Amavasya 2026

Ashadha Amavasya: The First New Moon of Dakshinayanam

Ashadha Amavasya is the last day of the Bahula Paksha of the Ashadha month. Coming soon after Dakshinayana Punyakalam begins, it is considered especially important for ancestor offerings. The Shravana month starts on the following day, and in some Telugu regions this day is also called Chukkala Amavasya.

What Makes It Special

The scriptures describe Uttarayanam as the day of the devas and Dakshinayanam as their night, a period when worship of the ancestors gains greater importance. Hence tarpanam and pinda pradanam on Ashadha Amavasya are believed to be especially fruitful. In some regions there is also a custom of Deepa Puja on this day, when all the household lamps are cleaned and worshipped. In the dark, rainy season, the lamp is the light of the home.

How to Observe

• Bathe in the morning and offer tarpanam with sesame seeds and water while remembering the ancestors.
• Clean all the brass, silver and clay lamps in the house and arrange them on a plank decorated with muggu.
• In the evening, light them with sesame oil or ghee and worship them with turmeric, kumkum and flowers.
• Offer pulihora or payasam and pray to welcome Shravana Lakshmi into the home.
• Donate food, and rainy-season needs such as umbrellas and blankets, to the needy.

Customs

Both the Ashadha month and Amavasya are considered unsuitable for new auspicious events; muhurthams are fixed only after Shravana begins. Satvik food is customary and non-vegetarian food is avoided. The method of tarpanam may vary according to family tradition.

Blessings

Elders believe that pleasing the ancestors on Ashadha Amavasya helps the family flourish, and that Deepa Puja keeps Lakshmi's grace in the home. It is a fine beginning for the vratams of Shravana.

May every life shine like the lamps, and may Shravana bring auspicious days to all.