Jyeshtha Amavasya 2026

Jyeshtha Amavasya: Remembering Ancestors Before Ashadha

Jyeshtha Amavasya is the last tithi of the Bahula Paksha of the Jyeshtha month. Offering tarpanam to ancestors, giving charity and worshipping one's family deity on this day are considered auspicious. The Ashadha month begins the next day.

What Makes This Day Special

Every Amavasya is dear to the ancestors. Jyeshtha Amavasya comes at the turning point between summer and the monsoon, when farmers wait for the first rains and prepare their fields. In the Ashadha month that follows, weddings and other auspicious events are generally not held, and newly married daughters-in-law traditionally go to their parents' homes. So many families try to complete their functions before Jyeshtha ends.

What to Do

• Take an early bath in a river, or a clean bath at home.
• Offer tarpanam with sesame seeds, darbha grass and water; an Amavasya shraddham may be done with a purohit's help.
• Pour water at a peepal tree, circle it and light a sesame oil lamp in the evening.
• Give food and clothes to the needy, fodder to cows, and grain and water to birds.
• Worship Shiva or Vishnu and chant the Vishnu Sahasranamam or Shiva Panchakshari.

Customs

On Amavasya, satvik food is customary and non-vegetarian food and alcohol are avoided; some take only one meal. New businesses and griha pravesham are not begun on this day. Practices for pitru karyam vary from family to family.

Blessings

Tarpanam and charity on Jyeshtha Amavasya are believed to satisfy the ancestors and bring long life, health and peace to the family. Remembering our ancestors is a way of honouring our roots.

With the blessings of our ancestors, may the new season bring good fortune to all.