Vaishakh Amavasya 2026: Date, Meaning and Significance

The Vaishakh Amavasya marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year. It is observed in May or April. Let’s now discuss the dates, significance, and other facts of Shani, also known as Vaishakha, Amavasya.

Date and Timings of Vaishakha Amavasya 2026

• Vaishakha Amavasya 2026 Date: 17th April 2026, Friday
• Tithi Starts: 16th April, Thursday, at 08:11 p.m.
• Tithi Ends: 17th April, Friday, at 05:21 p.m.

What is Vaishakh Amavasya?

Vaishakha Amavasya is the bright fortnight where there is no moon. This occurs during the Hindu month of Vaishakh, usually between May and April.

This is an inauspicious day, and one observes fast and performs pind daan and other Pitru puja rituals to please his ancestors. This 2026, we will observe Vaishakha Amavasya on Saturday, 27th April.

Also Read: Somvati Amavasya 2026: Significance, Vrat Katha And Rituals

Story and Significance of Vaishakha Amavasya

Numerous stories surround Vaishakha or Shani Amavasya. Some of these are:

1. Story of Satyavan and Savitri

Savitri was the princess of Madra who married an exiled prince, Satyavan, who was prophesied to die early. Despite knowing this, Savitri marries the prince, and they start to live a humble life.

On the day of Vaishakha Amavasya, Savitri’s husband collapses on her lap, cutting wood in a forest. Yama Raj (Lord of Death) arrives to take his soul away.

To this, Savitri praises the importance of virtues and Dharma. Listening to her, Yama gets impressed, gives Savitri a boon, and saves Satyavan’s life.

2. Lord Vishnu’s turn into Tulsi Plant

Once lived a demon named Jalandhar, who acquired immortality. It was Lord Vishnu’s wife who granted him immortality. In the disguise of Jalandhar, Lord Vishnu deluded his wife to lessen the demon’s power.

After this, Jalandhar became weak and lost his powers, and Lord Shiva killed him. Lord Vishnu’s wife learned about this. She cursed him to turn into a Tulsi plant on the day of Vaishakh Amavasya.

However, Vishnu blessed her and said she would always be precious to him. This is why the sacred plant Tulsi has been worshipped in Hindu homes for ages.

3. Story of Pind Daan of Dharmavarna’s Child

Dharmavarna was a Brahmin who heard that in the Kaliyuga, remembering the name of Hari would be the greatest virtue. After listening, he left his material life and reached Pitru Loka.

He got upset when he reached the place where he saw his ancestors living in the worst conditions. His ancestors advised him to start a family and told him that Dharmvarna’s child should perform pind daan for them.

Dharmavarna followed their advice and did what they said. He started a family life, performed the pind daan on Vaishakha Amavasya, and his ancestors attained liberation.

Significance of Vaishakh Amavasya

This is the day we perform the pitru puja rituals and remember our ancestors. People offer their ancestors water, sweets and other eatables that their ancestors loved.

After eating the food and satisfying their hunger, they can travel to another world. They will eat to satisfy their hunger, they bless us, and we can eliminate all kinds of negative energies.

Also Read: Magha Purnima 2026: A Key to Fortune and Happiness 

Rituals of Shani Amavasya

• Before starting the puja rituals, you should clean your room.
• Ensure you have everything required in the puja, including incense sticks, diyas, fruits, etc.
• Don’t forget to plant trees on this day.
• You can wash your sins in holy rivers.
• Start the puja by worshipping Lord Ganesha at the beginning
• Recite Vishnu Saharshanaram and Shani Stotra.
• Remember to meditate on this day.
• Take Ganga water, panchamrit, and oil to wash Shani Dev’s feet.
• Offer Shani Dev a Navaratna haar.
• It’s good to donate black-coloured items on this day.
• Perform aarti in front of the deities by chanting their names.
• Distribute the prasad to your family members.

Do’s and Dont’s of Vaishakh Amavasya

• On this day, we should bathe in a holy river for purification.
• We should not perform activities like marriage, purchasing or selling property or vehicles, etc.
• People should light lamps to mark the completion of the puja.
• You should not cut hair or nails on this day.
• We should donate things to poor people.
• One should avoid bad gossip and arguments that day.
• We should only eat vegetarian meals on this day.
• Avoid offending your ancestors, as this can lead to the welcome of problems in your life.
• We should not pluck Tulsi leaves on Vaishakha Amavasya.
• We should worship the peepal tree.
• Alcohol should not be consumed.
• You should not purchase food grains on this day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Also Read: Jaya Ekadashi 2026: Embrace the Blessings Of Lord Vishnu  

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