Phalguna Amavasya 2026

Phalguna Amavasya is the new-moon day in the Bahula Paksha of Phalguna, the last month of the Telugu year. It is the final Amavasya of the year; the very next day, Chaitra Shukla Padyami, the new year begins with Ugadi. The day is well suited for pitru tarpanam, charity and quiet reflection.

The Year-End Amavasya

In the lunar (chandramana) calendar the year ends with Phalguna Amavasya. The mood of the day is to seek forgiveness for mistakes made knowingly or unknowingly during the year, and to step into the new year with the blessings of elders and ancestors. Since Maha Shivaratri comes shortly before and Holi falls in the same month, the whole of Phalguna is regarded as a sacred period.

What to Do

• Take an early bath, in a river if possible, or at home with a little Ganga jalam added.
• Offer tarpanam to the ancestors with sesame and water; families with the custom perform shraddham.
• Visit a Shiva or Vishnu temple and light a lamp.
• Some families pour water at the base of a peepal tree and circumambulate it.
• Donate food, clothes, sesame and jaggery to those in need.
• Get ready for Ugadi: gather neem flowers, raw mango, tamarind and jaggery for Ugadi pachadi, clean the house and arrange mango-leaf thoranams.

Observances

Non-vegetarian food and alcohol are avoided on Amavasya. Some people fast and take a simple sattvic meal in the evening. Haircuts and new beginnings are generally avoided. New clothes and items for Ugadi are usually bought in advance.

Significance

It is believed that remembering the ancestors and giving charity on the last Amavasya of the year makes the coming year peaceful and happy. It is a day to bid the old year farewell with gratitude and welcome Ugadi with fresh hope.

What to Avoid

Elders advise against wasting food, speaking ill of elders and needless late-night outings on Amavasya. Do not leave the house dark; be sure to light a lamp at dusk.

With the blessings of our ancestors, may the new year bring auspiciousness to all.