Magha Amavasya is one of the holiest and spiritually powerful days observed by Hindus across India. Falling in the Magha month of the Hindu calendar, this Amavasya holds immense importance for charity (daan), pitru tarpan, spiritual cleansing, river bathing, and worship of deities like Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva, and the Navagrahas. It is also known as: Darsha Amavasya

Magha Amavasya

Krishna Amavasya

Magha, Krishna Paksha Amavasya

According to the Vikrama Samvata 2082–2083, Magha Amavasya in 2026 falls on: Magha Amavasya 2026 Date January 18, 2026 (Sunday)

Amavasya Begins: 12:03 AM, January 18

Amavasya Ends: 01:21 AM, January 19

Devotees should refer to their local panchang for exact tithi timings in their region.

Magha Amavasya occurs in the month of Magha, which is considered extremely pure and auspicious in Hindu scriptures. Amavasya (new moon day) symbolizes: An ending of darkness

A fresh spiritual beginning

Cleansing of the mind and soul

Since Magha month is connected with divine energies, the Amavasya falling in this period is believed to hold 100 times more spiritual merit compared to normal days. This day is highly important for: Pitru tarpan and ancestor worship

Holy river baths (especially the Ganga)

Charity (daana)

Removal of negative energies

Worship of the Sun and Vishnu

Peace, prosperity, and good health

1. Connection with Lord Vishnu The Magha month is dominated by Lord Vishnu. Bathing in holy rivers and offering prayers to Vishnu on this day is believed to free devotees from past sins and grant spiritual upliftment.

2. Connection with the Sun (Surya Dev) As the Magha month falls during a period of increased solar energy, worshipping Surya Dev brings: Vitality

Good health

Prosperity

Mental strength

3. Connection with Ancestors (Pitru Devta) Magha Amavasya is one of the most powerful days for pitru tarpan, which grants: Peace to departed souls

Removal of pitra dosha

Blessings for family growth

4. Connection with Darsha Rituals Darsha Amavasya refers to special Vedic rituals performed on Amavasya, especially connected to the moon cycle. These rituals help calm the mind and balance planetary effects.

Magha Amavasya is beneficial for: Families facing health challenges It helps remove illness-causing energies and invites positivity. People experiencing financial instability Charity and puja performed on this day attract prosperity. Those suffering from Pitru Dosha Tarpan and shradh rituals provide relief from ancestral imbalances. Individuals seeking mental peace Amavasya is excellent for meditation and spiritual cleansing. Couples wanting harmony Worshipping Shiva-Parvati strengthens marital relationships. Anyone wishing for spiritual growth Magha’s divine energy enhances meditation, prayer, and purity.

Tithi: Amavasya Date: January 18, 2026 Start: 12:03 AM End: 01:21 AM (Jan 19) Nakshatras: Dependent on regional panchang Major Ritual: Magha Snan (holy river bath)

Magha Amavasya carries deep traditional and spiritual meaning.

1. Importance of Holy Bath (Magha Snan) Bathing in sacred rivers such as the Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari, Narmada, or Kaveri removes past sins and purifies the soul. According to scriptures, performing Magha Snan at Brahma Muhurta offers blessings equivalent to performing great yagnas.
2. Pitru Tarpan and Ancestor Worship This day is most suitable for: Offering sesame seeds

Performing shradh

Feeding Brahmins

Donating food

It grants peace to departed ancestors and protects the family from negative karmic effects.

3. Powerful for Charity (Daan) Charity done on Magha Amavasya brings: Growth in wealth Reduction of misfortunes Blessings from divine powers Common offerings include: Food (anna daan) Clothes Blankets Sesame seeds Ghee Jaggery

4. Removal of Negative Energies Amavasya night is symbolically dark, and performing spiritual practices on this day: Removes deep-rooted fears Clears emotional disturbances Protects from planetary doshas

5. Strengthening Planetary Influences Magha Amavasya is ideal for: Surya puja Chandra puja Navagraha shanti Regular worship reduces the negative effects of: Sun Moon Saturn (Shani) Rahu–Ketu

Follow these simple rituals with devotion. Step 1: Morning Bath Ritual (Magha Snan) Wake up before sunrise

Take a dip in a holy river or mix Ganga jal in bathing water

Chant: “Om Namo Narayanaya”

Wear clean clothes

This purifies the body and mind.

Step 2: Clean and Purify Home Sweep and wash the puja area

Light incense or ghee diya

Prepare your altar with holy water, flowers, and prasadam

Step 3: Sankalp (Taking the Vow) Sit calmly and say: “I perform Magha Amavasya Puja for peace, prosperity, ancestor blessings, and removal of obstacles.”

Step 4: Worship Ritual Perform puja to: Lord Vishnu

Lord Shiva

Surya Dev

Goddess Lakshmi (optional)

Offer: Water Flowers Sesame seeds (til) Rice Fruits Light a ghee diya and chant simple mantras.

Step 5: Surya Puja Offer water (arghya) to the rising sun. Chant: “Om Suryaaya Namah” This brings health, energy, and long life.

Step 6: Pitru Tarpan Ritual Use water, black sesame seeds, and kusha grass. Offer tarpan in honor of: Parents Grandparents Great-grandparents This invites ancestral blessings.

Step 7: Evening Aarti Repeat your prayers in the evening: Light a diya Perform aarti Meditate for a few minutes

Step 8: Charity and Donations Give donations according to your capacity. Even small offerings earn great merit on this day.

While Magha Amavasya is not a compulsory fasting day, many devotees observe: Full day fast

Fruit/ milk fast

Satvik meal after sunset

Fasting enhances spiritual benefits.

According to the legend, there was a poor but kind-hearted man who lived with his family. Despite his struggles, he always worshipped his ancestors and performed charity whenever possible. One day, on Magha Amavasya, he took a holy dip, offered sesame seeds, and donated food to the poor. Pleased with his devotion, his ancestors appeared in his dream and blessed him. After this day: His poverty disappeared

His health improved

His family prospered

His home was filled with peace

Moral: The divine grace of ancestors and God comes through purity, charity, and devotion on Magha Amavasya.

Do’s Take a holy bath Perform pitru tarpan Worship Surya, Vishnu, or Shiva Offer sesame seeds and water Practice meditation Donate food and clothes Feed cows, birds, and the needy

Don’ts Avoid harsh speech, anger, and negative thoughts Avoid alcohol, non-vegetarian food, and onion-garlic Do not disrespect elders or guests Avoid unnecessary travel during rituals

Allowed (if fasting) Fruits Milk, curd, ghee Coconut Rock salt Simple satvik meals after sunset

Not Allowed Non-vegetarian food Alcohol Garlic and onion Fried or junk food

1. Ganga Snan Most powerful for purification.
2. Pitra Tarpan For ancestral peace and blessings.
3. Narayana Puja Ensures prosperity and divine protection.
4. Shani Shanti Remedies for Saturn-related problems.
5. Til Tarpan and Til Daan Til is the most sacred item of Magha Amavasya.

1. Spiritual Cleansing Removes negative energy and purifies the mind.
2. Ancestral Blessings Ensures family prosperity, health, and harmony.
3. Financial Stability Charity today brings long-term wealth benefits.
4. Health Improvement Surya puja promotes vitality and immunity.
5. Mental Peace Ideal for meditation and emotional healing.
6. Protection from Misfortunes Amavasya rituals shield against unseen obstacles.
7. Planetary Balance Reduces effects of Shani, Rahu, and Ketu.

Vishnu Mantra “Om Namo Narayanaya” Surya Mantra “Om Hreem Suryaya Namah” Shiva Mantra “Om Namah Shivaya” Pitru Mantra “Om Pitrubhyo Namah” Chanting any of these 108 times brings immense merit.

Feed cows and dogs

Offer water and grains to birds

Donate warm clothes or blankets

Thank your ancestors and deities

Maintain a peaceful atmosphere at home

Magha Amavasya [2082–2083 Vikrama Samvata] is one of the most spiritually charged days of the year. Observing the rituals of holy bath, tarpan, daan, and puja on January 18, 2026 brings: Peace

Prosperity

Spiritual cleansing

Protection from difficulties

Ancestral blessings

Harmony in the family

This sacred day is a wonderful opportunity to connect with divine energies, remove negativity, and begin a renewed and blessed phase of life.