Amavasya, also known as the new moon day, holds significant cultural and religious importance in various traditions across the world. The term "Amavasya" is derived from Sanskrit, where "ama" means together, and "vasya" implies dwelling. Therefore, Amavasya refers to the moon and the sun residing together in the same sign of the zodiac.

Amavasya January 2024 Date: January 11, Thursday.

Tithi Time: January 10, 8:11 pm to January 11, 5:27 pm.

In Hinduism, Amavasya is considered a crucial day in the lunar calendar and holds both spiritual and astrological significance. It marks the beginning of a new lunar month, as the moon is not visible in the night sky. The absence of the moon's illumination is believed to enhance the influence of negative energies, and hence, Amavasya is often associated with somber rituals and practices.

Amavasya 2024 Dates List:

January 11th
Thursday		 Tithi Timing : Jan 10, 8:11 PM - Jan 11, 5:27 PM
February 9th
Friday		 Tithi Timing : Feb 09, 8:02 AM - Feb 10, 4:29 AM
March 10th
Sunday		 Tithi Timing : Mar 09, 6:18 PM - Mar 10, 2:30 PM
April 8th
Monday		 Tithi Timing : Apr 08, 3:21 AM - Apr 08, 11:50 PM
May 8th
Wednesday		 Tithi Timing : May 07, 11:41 AM - May 08, 8:51 AM
June 6th
Thursday		 Tithi Timing : Jun 05, 7:55 PM - Jun 06, 6:07 PM
July 5th
Friday		 Tithi Timing : Jul 05, 4:58 AM - Jul 06, 4:27 AM
August 4th
Sunday		 Tithi Timing : Aug 03, 3:51 PM - Aug 04, 4:43 PM
September 2nd
Monday		 Tithi Timing : Sep 02, 5:22 AM - Sep 03, 7:25 AM
October 2nd
Wednesday		 Tithi Timing : Oct 01, 9:39 PM - Oct 03, 12:19 AM
November 1st
Friday		 Tithi Timing : Oct 31, 3:53 PM - Nov 01, 6:17 PM
December 1st
Sunday		 Tithi Timing : Nov 30, 10:30 AM - Dec 01, 11:51 AM
December 30th
Monday		 Tithi Timing : Dec 30, 4:02 AM - Dec 31, 3:56 AM

One of the prominent observances during Amavasya is the performing of ancestral rites and paying homage to departed souls. Many Hindus believe that the spirits of their ancestors are closest to the earthly realm on this day, and performing rituals like Tarpan (offering water to ancestors) and Pinda Pradana (offering food to ancestors) can bring peace to their souls. Devotees visit sacred rivers, such as the Ganges, to perform these rituals and seek blessings for their ancestors' well-being in the afterlife.

Amavasya also has a connection with various Hindu festivals and fasts. Some people observe a fast on this day as a form of penance, seeking purification and spiritual growth. The most notable festival associated with Amavasya is Diwali, which is celebrated on the new moon day of the Hindu month of Kartik. Diwali signifies the victory of light over darkness and good over evil, and it is a time of joy, festivity, and the lighting of lamps and candles.

In other cultures, such as in traditional Chinese and Thai calendars, the new moon day is also considered significant, and various rituals and celebrations take place during this time.

Astrologically, Amavasya is a time when the sun and moon are in conjunction, aligning in the same zodiac sign. This alignment is believed to intensify the energies of that particular sign, influencing both the physical and emotional realms.

While Amavasya is often associated with spiritual practices and rituals, it is also a time for self-reflection, renewal, and the initiation of positive changes in one's life. The darkness of the new moon night symbolizes the potential for new beginnings and the opportunity to overcome challenges.

In summary, Amavasya is a day of deep spiritual significance in various cultures, marked by rituals, festivals, and a focus on ancestral connections. It serves as a reminder of the cyclical nature of time and the constant opportunity for renewal and positive transformation in our lives.