Amavasai is the new moon day in the lunar calendar and holds deep spiritual importance in the Tamil Panchangam. It is the day when the moon completely disappears from the sky and marks the end of one lunar cycle. In Tamil tradition, Amavasai is primarily associated with ancestor worship (Pitru Karyam) and spiritual cleansing.
Devotees across Tamil Nadu and other parts of India observe Amavasai every month to perform:
- Pitru Tarpanam for departed ancestors
- Thila Homam and special poojas
- Holy baths in rivers, sea, or sacred water bodies
- Prayers for family well-being, peace, and relief from Pitru Dosha
Since Amavasai is calculated based on lunar movements, the date and timing differ every month. Therefore, knowing the exact Amavasai start and end time is essential to perform rituals correctly.
This page provides the complete list of Amavasai dates in 2026, along with accurate start and end timings, strictly calculated as per the Tamil Panchangam.
Amavasai 2026: Dates and Timings
| Date | Day | Start Time | End Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 18, 2026 | Sunday | Jan 18, 1:20 AM | Jan 19, 2:31 AM |
| February 17, 2026 | Tuesday | Feb 16, 6:27 PM | Feb 17, 6:30 PM |
| March 18, 2026 | Wednesday | Mar 18, 8:29 AM | Mar 19, 7:29 AM |
| April 16, 2026 | Thursday | Apr 16, 7:32 PM | Apr 17, 5:47 PM |
| May 16, 2026 | Saturday | May 16, 3:59 AM | May 17, 2:09 AM |
| June 14, 2026 | Sunday | Jun 14, 11:50 AM | Jun 15, 9:27 AM |
| July 14, 2026 | Tuesday | Jul 13, 6:53 PM | Jul 14, 4:33 PM |
| August 12, 2026 | Wednesday | Aug 12, 2:11 AM | Aug 13, 12:16 AM |
| September 10, 2026 | Thursday | Sep 10, 10:57 AM | Sep 11, 9:40 AM |
| October 10, 2026 | Saturday | Oct 9, 9:53 PM | Oct 10, 9:34 PM |
| November 8, 2026 | Sunday | Nov 08, 12:00 PM | Nov 09, 12:46 PM |
| December 8, 2026 | Tuesday | Dec 08, 12:00 AM | Dec 09, 6:48 AM |
🔍 How Amavasai Timing Is Calculated
Amavasai begins when the Amavasai Tithi starts and ends when the Tithi ends, regardless of the calendar date.
That is why:
- Amavasai may start on one day and end on the next
- Rituals must be performed only within the exact tithi duration
- Checking just the calendar date is not sufficient
The timings listed here follow:
- Traditional Tamil Panchangam calculations
- Correct interpretation of Tamil time terms such as
Athikalai (early morning – AM), Nalleravu (midnight – AM), and Malai (evening – PM) - No assumptions or approximations
How to Observe Amavasai – Traditional Practices
On Amavasai day, devotees usually:
- Wake up early and take a holy bath
- Wear clean clothes and face east or south
- Perform Tarpanam using water, black sesame seeds (ellu), and rice
- Offer prayers to ancestors and seek their blessings
- Visit Shiva temples or ancestral temples if possible
Those who cannot perform rituals at rivers or temples can do simple prayers at home during Amavasai time with sincerity.
Is Amavasai Auspicious?
According to traditional belief:
- Amavasai is not considered auspicious for starting new ventures
- It is highly auspicious for spiritual practices, ancestor rituals, and charity
- Donating food, clothes, or money on Amavasai is believed to bring positive karma
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Amavasai in the Tamil calendar?
Amavasai is the new moon day observed every lunar month for ancestor worship and spiritual practices.
How many Amavasai days are there in 2026?
There is one Amavasai every lunar month, resulting in 12 Amavasai days in 2026.
Why does Amavasai sometimes fall on two days?
Because Amavasai is based on lunar tithi, it may start on one calendar day and end on the next.
Which time is best for Amavasai rituals?
Rituals should be performed within the Amavasai tithi duration, preferably during morning or daytime hours.
📌 Why This Amavasai 2026 Page Is Reliable
- Based on Tamil Panchangam, not generic calendars
- Accurate start and end timings for every Amavasai
- Ideal for Tamil Nadu users and devotees worldwide
- Useful for family rituals, temple planning, and spiritual observance