Vaishakha is the second month as per the Hindu calendar. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, this month marks various religious festivals and celebrations. It is considered
as a time for new beginnings. One of these highly spiritual observances during the month is Vaishakh Amavasya. As per the Skanda Purana, this day falls when the Sun enters and is positioned in the Aries zodiac sign of this month. It is believed that the month of Vaishakha is especially dear to Lord Vishnu. Any good deed done with good intentions is said to absolve you of your sins as well as pave the way for moksha. When Is Vaishakh Amavasya 2026? According to the Vedic calendar, this year Vaishakh Amavasya will begin at 8:11 pm on Thursday, April 16th. It will end the next day, Friday, April 17th, at 5:21 pm. Considering the rising date, Vaishakh Amavasya will be celebrated on Friday, April 17th. Significance And Rituals It is said that every day of this month is auspicious, and one can multiply their Punya every day of this month. Though, as for the Amavasya, it is the most significant observance, believed to give salvation to human souls who practised righteously. People observe fasts, offer food to brahmins and perform pind daan. Even simple tasks like feeding animals and birds, offering water to travellers and planting shade-giving trees is considered a noble act. Story Behind Vaishakh Amavasya As per legends, a Brahmin named Dharmavarna, lived a deeply spiritual life. He practised a strict life of a righteous brahmin. He was once told by some sages that in the Kaliyuga, chanting Lord Vishnu's name carries more merit than any ritual or sacrifice in this day and age. He turned his life around and followed the path of name chanting and renounced from worldly life, adopting asceticism. Upon reaching the Pitru Lok, he saw his forefathers in great suffering and despair. They told him that their condition was due to his renunciation, as no one remained to perform the ancestral rites. Moved by their state, he returned to the grahist way of living, he performed the rituals and helped his ancestors attain eternal peace. 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.
