For Hindus, Amavasya or new moon day is extremely sacred. Each month has one Amavasya, but the Amavasya in the month of Magh is regarded as especially
auspicious and beneficial. The Amavasya in this month is known as Mauni Amavasya or Maghi Amavasya. It is believed that the waters of the Ganges on this day are as purifying as nectar. Bathing in the Ganges on this day is said to grant endless merit and brings mental peace and spiritual benefits. On Mauni Amavasya, large numbers of devotees come to take a dip at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. During the Magh Mela, special rituals and bathing ceremonies are performed. On this day, people not only take part in bathing and charitable acts but also perform certain rituals for the peace of their ancestors' souls and for relief from ancestral afflictions or Pitru Dosha.
When is Mauni Amavasya 2026?
According to the Vedic calendar, Mauni Amavasya will be observed on 18 January 2026.Daan (charity) and snan (ritual bath) is performed on Amavasya. On this day, devotees bathe in the Triveni Sangam and the Ganges. It is considered a holy and beneficial day, and rituals such as snan followed by daan is believed to help overcome Pitru Dosha.
Ways to Overcome Pitru Dosha on Mauni Amavasya
Offer rituals to the ancestors
The most important practice on Mauni Amavasya to seek peace and blessings from ancestors is performing pind-daan, shraadh, and tarpan. These rituals please our ancestors and remove Pitru Dosha. If you are facing obstacles in life, then performing these rituals is said to reduce them.Offer Food to the Ancestors
According to Vedic beliefs, Amavasya is the day when ancestors come to visit their descendants on Earth. Offering food to ancestors is believed to bring their blessings, and brings abundance to your life.Light an Oil Lamp Under the Peepal tree
On the evening of Mauni Amavasya, lighting a diya (lamp) with mustard oil under a Peepal tree is recommended. The Peepal tree is regarded as the dwelling of deities. Lighting a diya, is said to bring peace to the soul of ancestors.Disclaimer: This article is based on popular beliefs. Times Now is not responsible for the accuracy or completeness of the information and facts provided here.
