May Amavasya 2026: Date, timings, significance, and puja vidhi explained
May Amavasya, or Jyeshtha Amavasya, will be observed on 16 May 2026 with fasting, puja and pitru tarpan. The day is associated with ancestral worship, spiritual cleansing, charity and prescribed dos and don'ts.
May Amavasya 2026, also known as Jyeshtha Amavasya 2026, is an important day in the Hindu calendar dedicated to ancestor rituals, spiritual cleansing, and charity. Devotees observe fasts, perform puja, and offer prayers for peace and prosperity.
WHEN IS MAY AMAVASYA 2026?
In 2026, May Amavasya falls on Saturday, May 16.
It is observed during the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the Moon) in the month of Jyeshtha.
This day holds special significance for performing pitru tarpan (offerings to ancestors).
WHAT ARE THE EXACT TIMINGS OF AMAVASYA TITHI?
Amavasya Tithi Begins: 05:11 AM on May 16, 2026
Amavasya Tithi Ends: 01:30 AM on May 17, 2026
Rituals are usually performed during the daytime on May 16, as it is the main observance day.
WHY IS AMAVASYA CONSIDERED IMPORTANT IN HINDUISM?
Amavasya is believed to be a powerful time for:
Honouring ancestors (Pitru Puja)
Seeking spiritual growth and inner peace
Performing daan (charity) for good karma
Removing negative energies
In Hindu tradition, this day is closely associated with ancestral blessings and karmic balance.
PUJA VIDHI FOR MAY AMAVASYA 2026
Devotees follow these rituals
Wake up early and take a holy bath, preferably in a river
Offer water, sesame seeds (til), and food to ancestors
Light a diya (lamp) and perform prayers at home or temple
Chant mantras dedicated to Lord Vishnu or ancestors
Donate food, clothes, or money to the needy
Observing a fast (vrat) is also common on this day.
WHAT RITUALS ARE PERFORMED ON THIS DAY?
Pitru Tarpan and Shraddha rituals
Feeding Brahmins or the poor
Offering black sesame seeds and water
Visiting temples or sacred rivers
These rituals are believed to bring peace to ancestral souls.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO AND AVOID ON AMAVASYA?
DO’S
Perform charity and donations
Maintain cleanliness and spiritual discipline
Offer prayers to ancestors
DON’TS
Avoid auspicious activities like weddings or housewarming
Refrain from negative thoughts or conflicts
Avoid consuming non-vegetarian food and alcohol
May Amavasya 2026 is a spiritually significant day focused on ancestral worship, self-reflection, and charitable acts. Observing the right rituals and practices is believed to bring peace, prosperity, and positive energy into one’s life.