Phalguna Amavasya 2026: Date, muhurat timings, solar eclipse, rituals you should observe on this new moon day

Phalguna Amavasya, one of the most spiritually important new moon days in the Hindu calendar, will be observed on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. The day is considered highly auspicious for remembering ancestors, performing purification rituals and offering charity. This year’s observance has drawn added attention because it coincides with the first solar eclipse of 2026.

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Phalguna Amavasya 2026: Date and timings

According to Drik Panchang, the Amavasya tithi and key muhurats are:

• Amavasya tithi begins: 5:34 PM, February 16
• Amavasya tithi ends: 5:30 PM, February 17
• Auspicious muhurats for rituals:
• Snan (holy bathing): 5:16 AM to 6:07 AM
• Amrit Kaal muhurat: 10:39 AM to 12:17 PM

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Phalguna Amavasya Rituals:

Devotees usually plan prayers, tarpan, and daan within these time windows.

Amavasya is closely linked with remembrance of ancestors and inner cleansing. Phalguna Amavasya holds added importance as it comes just before Holi, symbolising a transition from darkness to light and from past burdens to renewal.

Hindu scriptures highlight the importance of Pitru Tarpan and Pind Daan on this day. Offerings made to ancestors are believed to bring peace to departed souls and blessings for health, prosperity, and harmony in the family.

Will solar eclipse be visible on Phalguna Amavasya

The first solar eclipse of 2026 will take place on Phalguna Amavasya. It will be an annular solar eclipse, where the Moon passes in front of the Sun but does not fully cover it, creating a glowing “ring of fire” effect.

The peak phase of this eclipse will last only for a short time. Visibility will vary by region, and skywatchers are advised to follow official updates and use certified solar viewing glasses.

From a traditional belief point of view, eclipses falling on Amavasya are seen as spiritually powerful. Many devotees observe extra prayers, meditation, or mantra chanting during this period.

Rituals observed on Phalguna Amavasya

1. Holy bath (Snan)

Devotees wake before sunrise and take a ritual bath, often in sacred rivers like the Ganga or Yamuna, as a symbol of purification.

2. Pitru Tarpan and Pind Daan

Water, black sesame seeds (til), and food are offered to ancestors. These rites are often performed with the help of priests.

3. Fasting (Vrat)

Many people observe a partial or full-day fast, eating simple sattvic food to maintain spiritual discipline.

4. Prayer and mantra chanting

Special prayers dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva, or Goddess Kali are recited to remove obstacles and negative influences.

5. Charity (Daan)

Donating food, clothes, or money to the needy is considered especially meritorious on this day.