What should be done during Amavasya?

Perform Pitru Tarpan at a river, pond, or dedicated Tarpan vessel, Offer sesame seeds and water in the name of each ancestor (3 generations), Donate food, clothes, or money in memory of the departed, Light a sesame oil lamp in the south-facing direction at dusk, Observe silence or limit speech — a day of reflection and gratitude, Feed Brahmins or the poor as proxy offering to ancestors

What should be avoided during Amavasya?

Avoid non-vegetarian food and alcohol — considered inauspicious for Pitru, Do not start any new auspicious venture (wedding, housewarming, etc.), Avoid cutting hair or nails, Do not waste food on this day

VratAMAVASYA

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Amavasya

“The New Moon of Stillness and Ancestral Gratitude”

Significance

Amavasya is the new moon day, marking a time of deep stillness and introspection. It is particularly dedicated to honoring ancestors (Pitru) and seeking their blessings. The lack of moonlight symbolizes looking inward rather than outward.

How to Observe

Perform Tarpan (offerings to ancestors). Observe silence or deep meditation. Light a lamp to dispel inner darkness. Many avoid starting new worldly ventures on this day.

Sacred Mantra

Om Shanti Shanti Shanti

Fasting Guide

🥬 Sattvic — Pure vegetarian food Break fast: After completing Tarpan at the river / after midday

✓Perform Pitru Tarpan at a river, pond, or dedicated Tarpan vessel
✓Offer sesame seeds and water in the name of each ancestor (3 generations)
✓Donate food, clothes, or money in memory of the departed
✓Light a sesame oil lamp in the south-facing direction at dusk
✓Observe silence or limit speech — a day of reflection and gratitude
✓Feed Brahmins or the poor as proxy offering to ancestors

Avoid

✕Avoid non-vegetarian food and alcohol — considered inauspicious for Pitru
✕Do not start any new auspicious venture (wedding, housewarming, etc.)
✕Avoid cutting hair or nails
✕Do not waste food on this day

What you'll need

Black sesame seeds (til)Kusha grassHoly water (Ganga jal or pure water)Copper plate and vessel for TarpanSesame oil lampWhite flowersBarley (jau)

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New to this practice?

Vratas are intentional fasting days tied to the Hindu lunar calendar. They are not about deprivation — they're about clearing space: in your body, your mind, your week. Most vratas follow a rhythm (every 11 days, every full moon) so the practice becomes second nature over time.

You don't need to be Hindu to observe. Millions of global seekers use these lunar rhythms to reset, meditate more deeply, and connect with a tradition older than most religions.

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