Important New Moon Day in Phalguna Month Holds Special Significance for Ancestor Rituals
Phalguna Amavasya 2026 will be observed in India during the Krishna Paksha of the Phalguna month, marking the final new moon day before the festival of Holi.
Amavasya, or the new moon day, is considered spiritually important in Hindu traditions. Many devotees perform ancestral rituals, charity, and prayers on this day. Phalguna Amavasya holds special value because it comes just before the festive period of Holi, symbolising purification and new beginnings.
Phalguna Amavasya 2026: Date and Timings
In 2026, Phalguna Amavasya will be observed on Tuesday, March 17, 2026. The Amavasya tithi is expected to begin on March 16, 2026, at around 10:38 PM and end on March 17, 2026, at around 12:35 AM.
Devotees usually perform rituals during the morning hours on March 17, as the Amavasya tithi is present during the early part of the day. Timings may vary slightly depending on the city and local panchang.
Why Phalguna Amavasya Is Spiritually Important
Amavasya is considered a day to honour ancestors, known as Pitru, and seek their blessings. According to Hindu beliefs, performing rituals on this day helps remove obstacles, reduce negative influences, and bring peace to the family.
Phalguna Amavasya is especially significant because it comes at the end of the Phalguna month, which is linked to spiritual cleansing and preparation for the new Hindu year in many regional calendars.
Many devotees believe that prayers, charity, and fasting on this day bring peace, prosperity, and spiritual growth.
Main Rituals Observed on Phalguna Amavasya
1. Pitru Tarpan and Shraddha
The most important ritual on Amavasya is Pitru Tarpan, which is performed to honour deceased ancestors. Devotees offer water mixed with black sesame seeds, rice or barley, and prayers for ancestral peace. These rituals are usually done near a river, pond, or at home with proper guidance from priests.
2. Holy Bath at Sacred Rivers
Taking a ritual bath in sacred rivers is considered highly auspicious on this day. Popular locations include the Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari, Narmada, and Kaveri. Devotees believe that a holy dip on Amavasya helps remove sins and purifies the mind and body.
3. Charity and Donations
Charity is an important part of Amavasya observances. Common donations include food grains, clothes, black sesame seeds, and money to the needy or temples. Many people offer meals to the poor or feed animals and birds as an act of compassion.
4. Fasting and Prayer
Some devotees observe a partial or full-day fast on Phalguna Amavasya. They spend the day visiting temples, reciting mantras, reading sacred texts, and performing meditation. Fasting is believed to help with spiritual discipline and purification.
Special Significance Before Holi
Phalguna Amavasya comes just before the celebrations of Holi, one of the biggest festivals in India.
Spiritually, this period is seen as a time to let go of negativity, seek forgiveness, and prepare for a new cycle of joy and celebration. Many people clean their homes, complete pending rituals, and offer prayers for prosperity before Holi begins.
Dos and Don’ts on Phalguna Amavasya
What Devotees Should Do
On this day, people are encouraged to perform Pitru Tarpan, take a holy bath in the morning, donate food, clothes, or money, pray and meditate, and feed cows, birds, or stray animals. These actions are believed to bring blessings and reduce negative influences.
What to Avoid
Traditional beliefs advise avoiding certain activities on Amavasya, such as starting new ventures, making major financial decisions, cutting hair or nails, and consuming alcohol or non-vegetarian food. These practices vary by region and family tradition.
Importance of Charity on Amavasya
Charity holds special importance on this day. According to Hindu teachings, helping the poor and needy on Amavasya is believed to reduce negative karma, bring peace to ancestors, and increase spiritual merit.
Many devotees also donate items related to Saturn (Shani), such as black sesame seeds, oil, or dark-coloured clothes, especially if they are seeking relief from planetary challenges.
Connection with Pitru Dosha Remedies
Phalguna Amavasya is also considered a suitable time to perform remedies for Pitru Dosha, a condition believed to arise from unresolved ancestral karma.
Common remedies include performing special pujas, feeding Brahmins, donating food and clothes, and offering prayers for ancestors. Many people consult priests or follow traditional family customs for these rituals.
Regional Observances Across India
Phalguna Amavasya is observed across India, but the customs may vary by region. In North India, people focus on holy dips and ancestor rituals. In South India, devotees perform tarpanam and temple visits. In Eastern states, charity and fasting are common practices.
Despite regional differences, the main theme remains ancestral remembrance and spiritual purification.
Astrological Significance
Astrologically, Amavasya is considered a powerful day for spiritual practices because the moon is not visible in the sky.
Many astrologers believe this phase enhances meditation and prayer, helps in letting go of past negativity, and supports spiritual growth and inner reflection. Because Phalguna Amavasya falls close to the start of the new Hindu year in some calendars, it is seen as a time to prepare for fresh beginnings.
Simple Home Ritual for Devotees
For those who cannot visit a sacred river or temple, a simple home ritual can be performed. Devotees can wake up early, take a bath, light a lamp in the prayer area, offer water mixed with sesame seeds to ancestors, pray for their peace and blessings, and donate food or money to someone in need.
These simple acts are considered meaningful and spiritually rewarding.
Bottom Line
Phalguna Amavasya 2026 will be observed on March 17, marking an important new moon day before the festival of Holi.
The day is dedicated to honouring ancestors, performing charity, fasting, and spiritual purification. Devotees across India observe this day with rituals that focus on gratitude, remembrance, and preparation for the festive season ahead.
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Last Updated on: Monday, February 16, 2026 1:11 pm by Digital Herald Team | Published by: Digital Herald Team on Monday, February 16, 2026 1:11 pm | News Categories: Lifestyle