Shravana Amavasya 2026

Shravana Amavasya: Polala Amavasya, a Nomu for Children's Welfare

Shravana Amavasya is the last tithi of the Bahula Paksha of the Shravana month. In Telugu homes it is also known as Polala Amavasya, when mothers perform the Poleramma nomu for the well-being of their children. The Bhadrapada month begins the next day, bringing Vinayaka Chavithi soon after.

The Polala Amavasya Nomu

The Polala Amavasya nomu is well known in the Telugu vrata tradition. Poleramma is worshipped as a goddess who protects children, and in some families a kanda (yam) plant or a lump of turmeric is worshipped as the Goddess. The nomu story tells of a mother who observed the Poleramma vratam sincerely and protected her children. After the puja, threads (thoralu) kept before the Goddess are tied on the children's wrists. The method varies by region and family.

How the Puja Is Done

• Bathe in the morning, draw a muggu at the puja place and install Poleramma as a kanda plant or turmeric lump.
• Worship with turmeric, kumkum, flowers and akshatalu, placing one thoram for each child before the Goddess.
• Offer garelu, payasam, pulihora and vadapappu as naivedyam.
• Read the nomu katha, place akshatalu on the head and tie the thoralu on the children.
• Offering tarpanam to the ancestors is also a duty on this Amavasya.

Other Observances

The scriptures say this is the best day to collect darbha grass for Vedic rituals, so it is also called Kushagrahani Amavasya. In North India the same day is observed as Pithori Amavasya, when mothers fast for their children. In some parts of Telangana it is celebrated as Pola, when bullocks are decorated and worshipped.

Blessings

Mothers deeply believe the Polala Amavasya nomu brings long life, health and protection to their children. It is also a fitting close to the vratams of Shravana.

By the grace of Poleramma, may all children grow up safe and happy.