Amavasya Tithi अमावस्या
The new moon · deity Pitris (ancestors)
Amavasya (अमावस्या) is the new-moon tithi, presided over by Pitris (ancestors). Amavasya, the new moon, is the tithi of the ancestors and of quiet renewal. The tithi prevailing at sunrise is applied to the whole day in the panchang.
Key takeaways
- Presiding deity: Pitris (ancestors).
- The new moon — a tithi of the ancestors and renewal.
- Best used for ancestral rites, meditation and Lakshmi worship; ordinary auspicious beginnings are avoided.
- Occurs in its paksha each lunar month.
Amavasya at a glance
| Presiding deity | Pitris (ancestors) |
| Nature | Amavasya (new moon) |
| Position | 15th tithi of Krishna Paksha |
What is Amavasya tithi?
Amavasya, the new moon, is the tithi of the ancestors and of quiet renewal. As a lunar day, Amavasya can begin or end at any clock time, so the panchang uses the Amavasya that is running at sunrise.
Presiding deity of Amavasya
It is dedicated to the Pitris (ancestors). Worship and vrats on Amavasya are directed to this deity.
Festivals and observances on Amavasya
Pitru rites and tarpan, Mauni Amavasya, Somvati Amavasya and Diwali (Kartik Amavasya, Lakshmi Puja) fall on Amavasya.
- Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) — Kartik Amavasya — the festival of lights
- Mahalaya / Sarva Pitru Amavasya — the last day of Pitru Paksha (Ashwin Amavasya)
- Mauni Amavasya — Magha Amavasya
- Somvati Amavasya — an Amavasya falling on a Monday
- Shani Amavasya — an Amavasya falling on a Saturday
- Hariyali Amavasya — Shravana Amavasya
Festivals fixed to Amavasya recur every year but on shifting Gregorian dates; several also depend on the lunar month and paksha. Confirm this year's dates on the festivals and calendar pages or your local panchang.
What Amavasya tithi is good for
Best used for ancestral rites, meditation and Lakshmi worship; ordinary auspicious beginnings are avoided. Combine the tithi with a favourable nakshatra, an auspicious choghadiya and the weekday, avoiding Rahu Kaal, when choosing a muhurat.
Amavasya in the panchang
You can see whether today is Amavasya on any city's daily panchang, and find upcoming Amavasya dates on the panchang calendar. Learn about all the tithis, the 27 nakshatras, or read the complete panchang guide.
Tithi attributes follow traditional sources; for religious observance confirm the exact tithi and timings with your local panchang.
Common questions
Which deity rules Amavasya tithi?
Amavasya tithi is presided over by Pitris (ancestors). It is dedicated to the Pitris (ancestors).
What festivals fall on Amavasya?
Pitru rites and tarpan, Mauni Amavasya, Somvati Amavasya and Diwali (Kartik Amavasya, Lakshmi Puja) fall on Amavasya.
Is Amavasya a good tithi?
Best used for ancestral rites, meditation and Lakshmi worship; ordinary auspicious beginnings are avoided.
What is a tithi?
A tithi is a lunar day — the time for the Moon to move 12° from the Sun. A lunar month has 30 tithis, 15 in the waxing Shukla paksha and 15 in the waning Krishna paksha.