Ashadha Amavasya, also known as Amavasai, is celebrated on the new moon day of the Hindu month of Ashadha, which usually falls in June or July. The day is dedicated to honoring ancestors through sacred rites and rituals. Devotees often take a dip in holy water to purify themselves. The observance of Ashadha Amavasya reflects deep spiritual traditions, which emphasize the importance of respect for ancestors and the cyclical nature of life and death.
Ashadha Amavasya is also a fortunate time to worship deities like Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu and seek guidance and blessings from them. Devotees engage in various religious practices and prayers, increasing the sense of family and community togetherness. The day highlights the relationship between tradition, devotion and the unbreakable bond between living people and their ancestors.
Date Time
Ashadha Amavasya 2024 Date: 5th July 2024
Amavasya Tithi Start: 4:57 AM, July 5, 2024
Amavasya Tithi End: 4:26 AM, July 6, 2024
Importance
According to many religious rituals and customs, Ashadha Amavasya is extremely auspicious and important. One of the main ceremonies performed on this day is Deep Puja, in which devotees clean and decorate their homes and light bright diyas all over the house. For Deep Puja, a decorated and charung (table) is set up with exquisite rangoli (kolam) patterns. Next, many lighted diyas are decorated on the table, creating an attractive display during the puja ceremony. Apart from the person’s Ishta Deva or family deity, this ritual honors the Pancha Mahabhuta, the five basic elements – air, water, fire, sky and earth. Some devotees worship Goddess Lakshmi, Parvati or Mother Saraswati.
Custom
1. Wake up early in the morning and take a holy bath at home or at the Ganga Ghat.
2. Arrange Gayatri Paath for their salvation and perform Pitru Puja by visiting holy places for the peace of ancestors.
3. Provide satvik food, clothes and dakshina to brahmins or qualified priests at their home. Set up food stalls to feed the underprivileged.
4. Participate in charitable activities like feeding cows, ants, dogs and crows.
5. Devotees gather at the Ganga Ghats to take a holy bath and perform rituals for the peace of their ancestors.
