Amavasya

Amavasya is the lunar phase of the New moon in Sanskrit. Indian calendars use 30 lunar phases, called tithi in India. The dark moon tithi is when the Moon is within the 12 degrees of angular distance between the Sun and Moon before conjunction (syzygy). The New Moon tithi (called Pratipada or Prathama) is the 12 angular degrees after syzygy. Amavasya is often translated as new moon since there is no standard term for the Moon before conjunction in English.

Meaning of Amavasya

In Sanskrit, "Ama" means "together" and "vasya" means "to dwell" or "cohabit". It also means "na" +"ma"+"asya" meaning to "na" = "No, "ma"=Moon, "Asya"="There" in turn meaning to There is no Moon i.e., Moon is not visible.

Many festivals, the most famous being Diwali (the festival of lights), are observed on Amavasya. Many Hindus fast on Amavasya.

Few people follow month from next day of Purnima (day) to Purnima (day).(Purnimanta).  Other set of people follow month from next day of Amavasya to Amavasya (Amanta). Shukla paksha is called as the bright half as the Moon changes from New Moon to Full Moon while in Krishna paksha it changes from Full Moon to New Moon. Hence it is seen that same Amavasya has same festival all over the country.

In old Indian culture and beliefs, irrespective of religions, Amavasya is considered a time of great power.

Festive Amavasya

Lakshmi Puja (30 Ashvayuja or 15 Krishna Paksha Ashvayuja; the Diwali after Naraka Chaturdashi): Lakshmi Puja marks the most important day of Diwali celebrations in North India. Hindu homes worship Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, and Ganesh, the God of auspicious beginnings also known as the remover of obstacles, and then light deeyas (little clay pots) in the streets and homes to welcome prosperity and well-being.

Tradition and Belief

An Amavasya falling on Mondays has a special significance. It is believed that a fast on this particular Amavasya called Somavati Amavasya would ward off widow-hood in women and ensure bearing of progeny. It is also believed that all desires could be fulfilled if one fasts on this Amavasya.

Worship of Forefathers (Pitru)

Every month, the Amavasya day is considered auspicious for the worship of forefathers and poojas are made. On Amavasyas, Shraadh is done to forefathers by Brahmins whose fathers have died. An oblation using sesame and water to the corresponding earlier generation person is offered. The dark fortnight of Aswayuja (September–October) is known as the Pitru Paksha (Mahalaya), which is especially sacred for offering oblations to departed ancestors. The last day of this period, the dark moon day, called Mahalaya Amavasya, is considered the most important day in the year for performing obsequies and rites.