Chukkala Amavasya 2026

Chukkala Amavasya: Farewell to Ashadha

Chukkala Amavasya is the Ashadha Bahula Amavasya, the new moon that ends the Ashadha month; some Telugu regions call it by this name. The holy Shravana month begins on the following day.

The Custom Behind the Name

Explanations of the name vary by region. In some families the thresholds, doorframes and walls are marked with dots (chukkalu) of turmeric and kumkum, and muggulu are drawn at the entrance to prepare the house to welcome Shravana Lakshmi. There is also the custom of newly married daughters-in-law, who spend Ashadha at their parents' home, returning to their in-laws after this Amavasya. It is best to follow the practice handed down by elders in your own region.

What to Do on This Day

• Bathe early, clean the house, apply turmeric to the threshold and place kumkum dots.
• Clean the household lamps and diyas and worship them by lighting them in the evening.
• Offer tarpanam to the ancestors with sesame seeds and water, the main duty of any Amavasya.
• Begin preparations for the Shravana vratams, including Varalakshmi Vratam.
• Give food to the needy and fodder to cows.

Customs

As it is Amavasya, satvik food is preferred and non-vegetarian food is avoided. New auspicious events are not begun on this day; muhurthams resume once Shravana starts. In Telangana, Ashadha is the season of Bonalu, and this Amavasya closes that month.

Significance

Chukkala Amavasya opens the door to the auspicious season. The waiting period of Ashadha ends, and homes get ready for Shravana Mangalavaram and Shukravaram pujas and Varalakshmi Vratam. Elders believe Goddess Lakshmi enters a clean house filled with lamplight.

May Shravana Lakshmi step into every home with wealth and happiness.