Mauni Amavasya 2026: Date, Timings, Significance & Puja Vidhi for Moksha

Mauni Amavasya is believed to be one of the most important days in Hindu spiritual calendar. It is the day in which we pay homage to our ancestors and observe particular rituals and rites to attain inner purification. Also called Magh Amavasya or Maghi Amavasya, this date falls on Krishna Paksha’s Amavasya in Magha month. Religious scriptures point out that, bathing in divine rivers and providing charity on this auspicious day can open the door towards Moksha or freedom from all attachments and karmic bondages. In this article, we will explore the important dates, timings, spiritual significance and puja rituals to be performed on Mauni Amavasya.

This year, 2026, Mauni Amavasya will be celebrated on 18th January 2026. According to Drik Panchang, Amavasya Tithi will begin at 12:03 AM (18 January 2026) and conclude at 1:21 AM (19 January 2026)

The divine significance of this day is heightened due to the homage that we pay to our forefathers and ancestors. Spiritual leaders say that when they die, our ancestors join the world of Gods. Therefore, worshipping them on this auspicious day is considered as equal to worshipping Gods.

Mauni comes from the Sanskrit term “Mauna” which means silence. According to Hindu religious faith, silence is a powerful alley in our path towards spiritual enlightenment and inner-purification.

A key benefit of observing the right rituals and fasting on Mauni Amavasya is the destruction of Pitru Dosha. If you are plagued by karmic imbalances from ancestral lineage, this is the best opportunity. Furthermore, honouring the forefathers will result in their blessings which will be manifested in our lives as happiness, peace and harmony inside homes, and spiritual and material prosperity.

It is said that bathing in any of the holy rivers such as Ganga, Narmada or Yamuna on this day will gift us numerous merits. Wake up early in the morning during Brahma Muhurta. Then, when the sun is rising, offer arghya to Surya Dev. This act in itself will fill our souls with positivity. In fact, the sun’s soothing rays will fall on our body like a blessing.

Indeed, while bathing we have keep our ancestors in mind and water should be offered to them as well. Hence, we will receive their blessings too. Our lives will be uplifted in every way when our forefathers receive Moksha as a result of our gesture. This can be achieved by observing shraddha, pindadaan and tarpan on Mauni Amavasya.

Taking holy bath is considered as one of the most important ritual on this day. If you are living far away from rivers like Ganges or Yamuna, you can arrange a sacred bath inside your home itself. Add some water from the Ganges in your bathing water. Then, take bath during the Brahma Muhurta.

Secondly, people offer Maun Vrat so as to obtain spiritual cleansing ad self-realisation. Maintaining silence for a whole day will slowly, but surely, destroy a lot of negativities that we have accumulated over the years.

Thirdly, devotees will fast on this day. This is also another way of inner purification and expressing reverence to forefathers. A purification of the body will also happen as a result of this practice.

We should also engage in acts of kindness or charity. Feeding the underprivileged and helping the suffering individuals will thwart the growth of negative karmic energies.

Last, but not the least, we can worship ancestors by lighting a diyas using mustard oil and by keeping it under a peepal tree. Observe Pitru Tarpan too. Ancestors should remain in our minds when we engage in these holy activities.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Which god to worship on Mauni Amavasya?
   Religious experts say that along with honouring ancestors, we can invoke Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva on Mauni Amavasya.
2. What should be avoided during Amavasya?
   On Amavasya, avoid auspicious ceremonies like weddings or housewarmings, starting new ventures and eating non-vegetarian food to prevent negative energy.
3. What daan to give on Mauni Amavasya?
   On Amavasi, it is recommended to donate food, blankets or clothes, along with sesame seeds, jaggery and utensils.