Today, Friday, December 19, 2025, marks the observance of Paush Amavasya, a day of deep spiritual significance in the Hindu calendar dedicated to ancestor worship and new beginnings.
This new moon day, also revered as Mokshadayini Amavasya for its believed power to grant liberation, offers devotees a powerful opportunity for purification and seeking ancestral blessings.
For those observing, the Amavasya tithi (lunar phase) begins at 4:59 AM on December 19 and concludes at 7:12 AM on December 20. The day is considered highly auspicious for performing rituals aimed at honoring deceased ancestors and removing obstacles from one's life.
The Significance of Paush Amavasya
Paush Amavasya holds special importance for Pitru Tarpan—rituals performed to appease and honor one's ancestors. According to Hindu scriptures like the Garuda Purana, offerings made on this day help ancestors attain peace and, in turn, bless their descendants with prosperity, good health, and familial harmony. It is also seen as a potent time for reducing pitru dosha (ancestral afflictions).
Beyond ancestral rites, the day symbolizes spiritual cleansing and introspection. The absence of the moon's light represents a time to turn inward, release negativity, and set intentions for the new lunar cycle ahead.
Key Rituals and Auspicious Timings
Devotees traditionally observe several practices on Paush Amavasya. Here are the key rituals and their recommended timings:
· Holy Bath (Snan) and Charity (Daan)
· Auspicious Period: 5:19 AM to 6:14 AM on December 19.
· Taking an early morning bath, ideally in a sacred river, is considered highly meritorious. This is often followed by acts of charity, such as donating food, clothes, or essentials to the needy.
· Ancestor Worship (Pitru Tarpan)
· Auspicious Period: 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM on December 19.
· This is the key ritual for the day, where offerings of water and sesame seeds are made to deceased forefathers to seek their blessings and peace.
· Worship of Surya Dev (Sun God)
· Prayers to Surya Dev are highly recommended on Paush Amavasya. Offering arghya (water) to the sun while chanting mantras like "Om Suryaya Namah" is believed to dispel negativity and enhance physical and mental well-being.
Other common observances include fasting, meditation, and lighting lamps to symbolize the victory of light over darkness. Many also consider it auspicious to plant a Tulsi plant at home on this day.
What to Avoid: Traditional guidance advises against starting new ventures or journeys on Amavasya. Some scriptures also recommend against washing hair on this day.
A Day for Compassion and New Beginnings
Paush Amavasya carries the message of compassion. Donating food and warm clothing to the underprivileged is considered one of the most virtuous acts, echoing the scriptural tenet that "charity is the greatest dharma".
As the final Amavasya of the year 2025 in the Hindu lunar calendar, it provides a moment for spiritual reset—a chance to honor the past, cleanse the present, and prepare for a future filled with peace and positivity.
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