Amavasya in January 2018 falls on Tuesday, 16th January 2018. This Amavasya is called as Magha Amavasya. The other names of this Amavasya are Darsha Amavasya and Mauni Amavasya. Amavasya is considered as a highly auspicious day in the Hindu calendar. Marking the first day of the lunar month, Amavasya is highly suitable to conduct worships and pitru puja (ancestral worship). Here is the importance of Magha Amavasya.

Magha Amavasya story

Once upon a time, the gods and demons churned the milky ocean in pursuit of nectar in their effort to become immortal. The Mandara hill was used as the churning rod and snake Vasuki served as the rope to churn the ocean. Several things emanated from the ocean and the gods and demons distributed them among themselves. At the end, Lord Dhanvantri emerged from the ocean with the nectar pot.

The nectar drops in the rivers

The gods and demons quarrelled for the nectar pot and in the process, a few drops fell on the rivers of Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati. Hence it is believed that the river water on the day of Magha Amavasya is filled with nectarine qualities. A holy bath on the Magha Amavasya in the sacred rivers is believed to bestow good health and prosperity to the devotees.

Mauni Amavasya

The Amavasya in January 2018 is also called as Mauni Amavasya. People observe the vow of silence (Mauna Vrat) on this day. Those observing the silence fast retreat to a secluded place and engage themselves in meditation and puja without uttering a word from the dawn till dusk. This practice on Mauni Amavasya is believed to wash away one's sins in addition to enabling a mastery over the mind and senses.

Amavasya Vrat Vidhi

The day of Amavasya is meant to be spent on worshipping God. On the day of Amavasya, wake up early in the morning and take a holy dip in holy waters if possible or take bath at home. Install the pictures of Lord Shiva or Vishnu in the puja altar and do puja with sixteen types of offerings. Observe a day-long fast on the Amavasya day and conclude the fast on the next morning after repeating the puja. Amavasya vrat is believed to enhance health and wealth.

Pitru Puja and Amavasya

It is said that the Pitru puja or ancestral worship is done on this day will invite the blessings of the ancestors. It is highly advisable to do Pinda Daan, Tila Tarpan and food offerings to the ancestors. When crows are fed on this day, it is believed that the ancestors come in the form of crows and consume the foods. This act will invite the blessings of the ancestors on the family.

Dos and Don’ts on Amavasya

Eating non-vegetarian foods is strictly prohibited on Amavasya. As far as possible, eat only Satvik food without many spices. Whether any good work can be started on Amavasya depends on your family and local tradition. Some people consider this an auspicious day while some others deem it as an inauspicious day.