Amavasya, the new moon day in the Hindu lunar calendar, will be observed on Wednesday, August 12, 2026. The day falls during the Shravan month and is traditionally associated with ancestral prayers, charity, religious observances and spiritual practices.

According to the Panchang timings provided for Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, the Amavasya Tithi will begin at 1:53 AM on August 12 and end at 11:06 PM on the same day.

Amavasya occurs when the Moon is not visible from Earth and marks the end of one lunar cycle. Different Amavasya days have different religious and cultural significance across India.

Amavasya August 2026 Date and Timings

The next Amavasya will fall on August 12, Wednesday.

For Ujjain, the important timings are:

• Amavasya Tithi begins: 1:53 AM, August 12

• Amavasya Tithi ends: 11:06 PM, August 12

• Sunrise: 6:05 AM

• Sunset: 6:58 PM

• Moonrise: 5:19 AM

• Moonset: 6:52 PM

These timings are location-specific and are based on the Panchang information provided for Ujjain. Timings may differ in other cities.

What Is Amavasya?

Amavasya refers to the new moon day in the Hindu lunar calendar. The absence of visible moonlight has traditionally been associated with introspection, spiritual practices and remembrance of ancestors.

Amavasya days are considered significant for Pitru Tarpan, a ritual performed to honour deceased ancestors. Many devotees also undertake charity, prayers, meditation and other religious activities.

The observances, however, vary according to regional customs, family traditions and the particular Amavasya.

Pitru Tarpan and Ancestral Rituals

One of the important practices associated with Amavasya is remembering one's ancestors.

Devotees may perform Pitru Tarpan, offering water and other traditional offerings while praying for the peace of departed family members. Some families also perform Pind Daan according to their customs.

Charity is another common practice. People may donate food, clothes or money to those in need as part of their religious observance.

Amavasya Vrat and Puja

Many devotees begin the day with an early morning bath and prayers. Some choose to observe a fast, while others follow a restricted diet depending on their family or regional tradition.

Devotees may perform puja at home or visit temples. Lord Shiva is particularly associated with several Amavasya observances, while specific Amavasya festivals can have their own deities and rituals.

Some people also light lamps in their homes and temples during the evening and spend time in prayer or meditation.

There is no single set of rituals followed by everyone on Amavasya, and practices differ across India.

Holy Bath and Charity

Taking a bath in a sacred river on Amavasya is an established tradition in several parts of India. Devotees visit places associated with the Ganga, Yamuna and other sacred rivers to take a holy dip and perform prayers.

Those unable to visit a pilgrimage site may follow their family's customary practices at home.

Charitable acts, including donating food, clothes or other necessities, are also commonly associated with Amavasya.

Different Amavasya Observances

Amavasya occurs once in every lunar month, but certain Amavasya days have specific names and traditions.

Some of the prominent observances include:

• Mauni Amavasya: Associated with silence, meditation and holy bathing.

• Somvati Amavasya: Amavasya falling on a Monday and traditionally considered significant for Shiva worship.

• Ashadha Amavasya: Associated in some regions with agricultural traditions and prayers for a good harvest.

• Pithori Amavasya: Observed in some communities with prayers for the well-being of children.

• Diwali Amavasya: The Kartik Amavasya on which Diwali is celebrated, marked by lamps, Lakshmi Puja and other festivities.

The names and customs can vary across regions.

Spiritual Significance

In Hindu traditions, the dark moon phase is often viewed as a period for reflection and spiritual discipline. The absence of moonlight is symbolically associated with turning inward and focusing on prayer and self-reflection.

Amavasya is also considered an important occasion for remembering family members who have passed away.

While some popular beliefs associate the dark moon with negative outcomes, Amavasya itself is not universally regarded as inauspicious. Many Hindu traditions specifically consider it a suitable day for ancestral rituals, charity, meditation and religious observances.

Next Amavasya

After August 12, the next Amavasya is expected on September 11, 2026, according to the supplied Panchang calendar.

Amavasya August 2026: Key Timings

Timings are provided for Ujjain, India, and may vary according to location.