Mumbai: Somvati Amavasya holds a special place in Hindu traditions, marked by rituals of fasting, prayers, and acts of charity. According to the Vedic calendar, Amavasya marks the last day of each month and is considered significant for Hindus. This April, Somvati Amavasya gains additional importance as it coincides with the first solar eclipse (Surya Grahan) of the year, although it won't be visible in India.

Date and Auspicious Timings:

Somvati Amavasya falls on April 8, 2024, which is a Monday. This particular Amavasya occurring on a Monday is known as Somvati Amavasya, holding heightened significance compared to regular Amavasyas. It's a day when people observe fasting, perform rituals like bathing (snan), donation (daan), and pay homage to their ancestors through Pitru Puja. The Amavasya Tithi starts at 3:31 AM on April 8, 2024, and concludes at 11:50 PM. The fasting day coincides with Monday, April 8, 2024. Indra Yoga, an auspicious period, will prevail until 6:14 PM, with the ideal time for bathing, donation, and prayers being between 4:55 AM and 6:30 AM.

Somvati Amavasya Rituals:
This day holds various rituals believed to bring blessings and prosperity while dispelling malefic influences. Some of the significant rituals include:

Bathing and Tarpan: It's believed that those afflicted with Pitru Dosha (ancestral curse) should bathe in a sacred river on Somvati Amavasya and perform Tarpan for their ancestors. This act is thought to bring blessings from ancestors.

Offering Rice Kheer: Rice kheer is offered as bhog to Lord Shiva's family and Mata Lakshmi on Somvati Amavasya. This offering is believed to attract divine blessings, bringing happiness and prosperity.

Ghee Lamp in Ishan Kon: Lighting a ghee lamp on the evening of Somvati Amavasya and continually adding ghee to it while it burns is said to bring positive energy into the home. It's also believed to please Goddess Lakshmi, attracting wealth and prosperity.

Feeding Fish: Feeding flour balls to fish in nearby ponds or rivers after performing rituals like bathing, donating, and praying on Amavasya is believed to remove various problems and foster positivity within the family.

Somvati Amavasya holds deep spiritual significance, offering an opportunity for devotees to connect with their roots and seek blessings for a prosperous life.

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