Amavasya 2026 — Dates
Next Amavasya: Kartika Amavasya on Sunday, 8 November 2026.
A free email before every Amavasya, with timings for your city.
Amavasya, the new moon day, is traditionally dedicated to remembering ancestors (pitrs). Families perform tarpan and shraddha, give to charity and light lamps. Mahalaya Amavasya ends Pitru Paksha, and Diwali is celebrated on Kartika Amavasya.
Amavasya dates in 2026
| Date | Name |
|---|---|
| 18 Jan 2026 (Sun) | Magha Amavasya |
| 17 Feb 2026 (Tue) | Phalguna Amavasya |
| 18 Mar 2026 (Wed) | Chaitra Amavasya |
| 17 Apr 2026 (Fri) | Vaishakha Amavasya |
| 16 May 2026 (Sat) | Jyeshtha Amavasya |
| 14 Jun 2026 (Sun) | Adhik Jyeshtha Amavasya |
| 14 Jul 2026 (Tue) | Ashadha Amavasya |
| 12 Aug 2026 (Wed) | Shravana Amavasya |
| 10 Sep 2026 (Thu) | Bhadrapada Amavasya |
| 10 Oct 2026 (Sat) | Ashwin Amavasya |
| 8 Nov 2026 (Sun) | Kartika Amavasya |
| 8 Dec 2026 (Tue) | Margashirsha Amavasya |
Dates and parana times are for New Delhi (IST), as used by most published calendars. In other cities a date can occasionally differ by a day — check the panchang for your city.
How to observe Amavasya
- Bathe early and offer water (tarpan) to ancestors with sesame seeds.
- Offer food to cows, crows and those in need in the name of ancestors.
- Light a lamp under a peepal tree or at home in the evening.
- Avoid starting new ventures; spend the day in prayer and reflection.
Frequently asked questions
What is Amavasya?
Amavasya, the new moon day, is traditionally dedicated to remembering ancestors (pitrs). Families perform tarpan and shraddha, give to charity and light lamps. Mahalaya Amavasya ends Pitru Paksha, and Diwali is celebrated on Kartika Amavasya.
When is the next Amavasya?
Kartika Amavasya is on Sunday, 8 November 2026.
How many Amavasya days are there in 2026?
12 Amavasya dates in 2026: 18 Jan (Sun), 17 Feb (Tue), 18 Mar (Wed), 17 Apr (Fri), 16 May (Sat), 14 Jun (Sun), 14 Jul (Tue), 12 Aug (Wed), 10 Sep (Thu), 10 Oct (Sat), 8 Nov (Sun), 8 Dec (Tue).
What is done on Amavasya?
Pitru tarpan and shraddha for ancestors, charity, and lighting lamps in the evening are the most common observances.