The day of Amavasya has a lot of significance as per the Hindu calendar. Also known as the no moon or the new moon day, Amavasya is the day when devotees pay their respects and gratitude to their deceased ancestors.
The Amavasya Dates 2022 are as follows
Amavasya Dates in January 2022
Start – 02 January 3.42 AM | End – 03 January 12.03 AM
Start – 31 January 2.18 PM | End – 01 February 11.15 AM (Mauni Amavasya)
Amavasya Dates in March 2022
Start – 02 March 1.00 AM | End – 02 March 11.04 PM
Start – 31 March 12.22 PM | End – 01 April 11.54 AM
Amavasya Dates in April 2022
Start – 30 April 12.58 AM | End – 01 May 1.58 AM (Shani Amavasya)
Amavasya Dates in May 2022
Start – 29 May 2.55 PM | End – 30 May 5.00 PM (Somvati Amavasya)
Amavasya Dates in June 2022
Start – 28 June 5.52 AM | End – 29 June 8.22 AM
Amavasya Dates in August 2022
Start – 26 August 12.24 PM | End - 27 August 1.47 PM (Shani Amavasya)
Amavasya Dates in September 2022
Start – 25 September 3.12 AM | End – 26 September 3.24 Am (Mahalaya Amavasya)
Amavasya Dates in October 2022
Start – 24 October 5.27 PM | End – 25 October 4.18 PM (Bhaumvati Amavasya)
Amavasya Dates in November 2022
Start – 23 November 6.53 AM | End – 24 November 4.27 AM
Amavasya Dates in December 2022
Start – 22 December 7.13 PM | End – 23 December 3.46 PM
While there are different Amavasya’s based on the month they occur, the Mahalaya and Ashwayuja Amavasya are considered to be the most auspicious of them all.
When the new moon changes to full moon, the period is called as Shukla Paksha. The fortnight period from a full moon to a new moon is called as the Krishna Paksha, and this period starts with Amavasya.
Amavasya – Beliefs and Traditions
As per the ancient Hindu beliefs, the process of life tends to slow down on the no moon day. This is when people notice a change in their physical or mental state. Individuals who are already suffering from anxiety or mental imbalance are bound to see more changes as the brain gets more imbalanced on the day of Amavasya. This occurs due to the increase of the moon’s gravitation force on the Earth.
Amavasya is the perfect day if you are looking for liberation. It is also a perfect day for individuals who are looking for spiritual enhancements. All the Amavasya days are known to be appropriate for performing Shraddha rituals or Kalasarpa Dosha puja.
Somvati and Shani Amavasya
When Amavasya falls on a Monday, it is called as the Somvati Amavasya. Women often observe fasting on this day as it is said to ward of widow-good and bless them with progeny. It is also believed that fasting on Somvati Amavasya will fulfil the desires of the devotees. Likewise, Amavasya that falls on a Saturday is called as Shani Amavasya, and devotees often perform special puja on this day to receive blessings and ward off Shani dosha.
Amavasya and Worship of Ancestors
Devotees often fast during Amavasya and also offer prayers and food to their deceased ancestors. As mentioned in the Garuda Purana, it is said by Lord Vishnu that the ancestors visit their descendants on the day of Amavasya to take their share of the food. Hence, devotees prepare for the Shraddha and cook food with utmost devotion and offer to the dead ancestors.