Chaitra Amavasya

Religious observance, ancestral worship, spiritual cleansing, new moon day

Not a gazetted public holiday, but widely observed by Hindus for religious rituals.

One day

Chaitra Amavasya marks the end of the Hindu lunar year in the North Indian Purnimanta calendar tradition. It is considered a highly auspicious day for performing rituals for ancestors (Pitrus) to seek their blessings and peace. It is also a day for spiritual cleansing and preparing for new beginnings as it precedes the Hindu New Year (Chaitra Shukla Pratipada).

Key Rituals & Practices

Pitru Tarpan (offering water and sesame seeds to ancestors)

Shraddh rituals for the deceased family members

Fasting (partial or full)

Donation (Daan) of food, clothes, or money to Brahmins or the needy

Taking a holy dip (snan) in sacred rivers (e.g., Ganga, Yamuna)

Performing Havan or Yagna for ancestral peace

Reciting mantras and prayers for peace and prosperity

Visiting temples, especially Shiva or Vishnu temples

Associated Deities

Pitru Devatas (Ancestors)

Lord Vishnu

Lord Shiva

Shani Dev (Saturn)

Hindu Calendar Details

Hindu Month

Chaitra

Paksha

Krishna Paksha

Tithi

Amavasya

Regional Relevance & Variations

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Historical & Mythological Context

While there isn't one specific major mythological story directly tied to Chaitra Amavasya like Diwali, its significance stems from the general importance of Amavasya for ancestral rites. As the last Amavasya of the Hindu year, It's considered an especially potent day for connecting with ancestors, settling karmic debts, and seeking blessings for the upcoming year. The conjunction of the Sun and Moon on this day is believed to make spiritual practices more effective.

Alternative Names

Darsha Amavasya

Bhootadi Amavasya

Gregorian Date

Varies Annually (Typically late March or early April)