July Purnima 2026: Check date, tithi, significance, rituals and other details

Amavasya, or the New Moon day, holds deep spiritual significance in Hinduism and is primarily observed to honour ancestors and departed souls. Falling once every month according to the Hindu Panchang, the day is dedicated to performing rituals such as Pitru Tarpan, Pitru Puja, Pind Daan, Hawan, and offering food and charity to Brahmins and the needy. Taking a holy dip in sacred rivers like the Ganga is also considered highly auspicious.

At the same time, Amavasya is generally regarded as inauspicious for beginning new ventures or conducting ceremonies such as marriages, engagements, Griha Pravesh, and Mundan. Among the many Amavasya observances celebrated throughout the year, Mauni Amavasya, Somvati Amavasya, Shanichari Amavasya, Hariyali Amavasya, Vat Amavasya, Kartik Amavasya, and Mahalaya (Sarva Pitri) Amavasya are considered especially significant.

Ashadha Amavasya tithi:

Amavasya Tithi Begins - July 13, 2026 - 06:49 PM

Amavasya Tithi Ends - July 14, 2026 - 03:12 PM

Ashadha Amavasya 2026: Significance

Ashadha Amavasya, which falls on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, is one of the most spiritually significant New Moon days in the Hindu calendar. The day is dedicated to paying homage to ancestors (Pitrs) through rituals believed to bring peace to departed souls and seek their blessings for the family's well-being and prosperity.

According to Hindu beliefs, Amavasya marks the New Moon phase, when the Moon is not visible in the sky. Since the Moon is associated with the mind and emotions, this phase is considered ideal for self-reflection, meditation, prayer, and spiritual practices. Many devotees also observe fasts and perform charitable acts to earn religious merit.

On Ashadha Amavasya, devotees perform Pitru Tarpan, Pind Daan, Pitru Puja, and recite sacred hymns such as the Gayatri Mantra to honour their ancestors. Taking a holy dip in sacred rivers, especially the Ganga, is considered highly auspicious. Many families also invite priests or Brahmins to their homes, offer them sattvik meals, donate clothes and dakshina, and seek blessings for their ancestors' salvation.

Ashadha Amavasya 2026: Puja Rituals

1. Wake up early and take a holy bath at home before beginning the day's rituals.
2. If possible, take a sacred dip in the Ganga or another holy river.
3. Perform Pitru Tarpan, Pind Daan, and Pitru Puja to honour departed ancestors.
4. Chant the Gayatri Mantra or organise a Gayatri Path for the peace and salvation of ancestors.
5. Offer food, water, sesame seeds, and prayers as part of ancestral rituals.
6. Donate food, clothes, grains, or money to the poor and the needy.
7. Feed cows, crows, dogs, ants, or other animals, as these acts are considered highly meritorious on Amavasya.
8. Invite a priest or Brahmins for a sattvik meal and offer them clothes and dakshina as part of the day's observances.
9. Spend time in meditation, prayer, or reading sacred scriptures to cultivate inner peace and spiritual growth.