Author: -- | Last Updated: Tue 3 Mar 2015 3:50:13 PM
Amavasya is meant to be an auspicious day as per the Hindu mythology. As per the beliefs, devotees observing vows on this day become free from all the sins. Pitra Shanti Puja is also fruitful, when performed on the day of Amavasya. With this article, AstroCAMP is going to provide the dates of Amavasya in 2017 for the convenience of devotees. The dates can be checked out and the events can be planned out accordingly.
Amavasya is considered auspicious for many reasons. For the Indians, Diwali is one of the major festival and this festival is observed on Amavasya or new Moon day. Moreover, new Moon day is very favorable to conduct Pitra Shanti Puja, which is done to satisfy the souls of the dead ancestors. Also, it is said that one who observes fast on Amavasya, overcomes all the worldly fears and gets relief from all the sins committed.
Let's take a look at the dates of Amavasya 2017. These dates will help you in observing all the Amavasyas of the year.
| Date | Day | Name of Amavasya |
|---|---|---|
| 27 January | Friday | Paush Amavasya |
| 26 February | Sunday | Magha/Mauni Amavasya |
| 28 March | Tuesday | Phalguna Amavasya |
| 26 April | Wednesday | Chaitra Amavasya |
| 25 May | Thursday | Vaishakha Amavasya |
| 24 June | Saturday | Jyeshtha Amavasya |
| 23 July | Sunday | Ashadha Amavasya |
| 21 August | Monday | Shravana/Hariyali Amavasya |
| 20 September | Wednesday | Bhadrapada Amavasya |
| 19 October | Thursday | Ashwin Amavasya |
| 18 November | Saturday | Kartik Amavasya |
| 18 December | Monday | Margashirsha Amavasya |
Amavasya Vrat (fast) has more meaning and importance, if it falls on:
Following Amavasyas are celebrated all around our country with great enthusiasm and devotion:
Magha/Mauni Amavasya
According to the Hindu Calendar , Magha Amavasya falls in Magha Masa and as per the Gregorian calendar, it is observed around the month of February. The importance of Mauni Amavasya comes from the fact that performing Shraddh of the forefathers on this day, yields fruitful results. As per the rituals, on new Moon day, people offer Pinda Daan and perform Pitru Tarpan. Devotees from all around the country visit Prayag Sangam (Allahabad) to perform the Shraddh rituals. Another important aspect of this day is observance of Maun Vrat (silent fast), which is kept to fetch blessings of the gods. According to the legends, on new Moon day, Lord Brahma created queen Shatarupa and Maharaja Manu. The auspiciousness of this day increases if it falls on a Monday.
Bheemana Amavasya
On Bheemana Amavasya, women and girls pray for the well being and happiness of their husbands and brothers. Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are the deities of this day.
Hariyali Amavasya
Hariyali Amavasya is celebrated in North India in the month of Shravan. Lord Shiva is worshiped on this day for prosperity and wealth. Devotees thank the deity for a good and prosperous agricultural season, as well. People of Udaipur celebrate this day with zeal and energy for a continuous period of three days.
Bhado Amavasya
Bhado Amavasya is dedicated to Narayani Bai who became Sati on this day. To honor her, devotees visit Rani Sati Dadi Temple on this day and seek her blessings. On the day of Bhado Amavasya, a big fair is held in Rajasthan to honor Rani Sati Dadi.
Legend Associated With Bhado Amavasya
According to the legend, when Abhimanyu got killed in the battle of Mahabharata, his wife also wished for death. But, as she was expecting Abhimanyu's child, Lord Krishna stopped her from sacrificing her life. He granted her the boon that in her next birth, she will again become Abhimanyu's wife. As a result, she was born as Narayani Devi in her next birth and Abhimanyu was born as Tandhan Das. As per the boon given, they both married. However, soon after, Tandhan Das passed away. After this incident, Narayani Bai got Sati and came to be recognized as Rani Sati Dadi Ji. Since then, every year rituals are carried out on the day of Bhado Amavasya.
Aati Amavasya
Aati Amavasya is celebrated in South India. According to beliefs, offerings made on this day reach directly to the forefathers and in return they shower their blessings.
Somvati Amavasya
Somvati Amavasya 2017 dates are August 21 and December 18. Somvati Amavasya is observed by the married women. It is said that keeping fast on this day, safeguards them from the danger of widowhood. Also, the fast blesses them with a child.
Legend Associated With Somvati Amavasya
As per the legends of Somvati Amavasya, once there was a money lender. He had seven sons and one daughter. All his sons got married happily, but his daughter remained unmarried. Even after trying hard, the money lender was not able to find a suitable groom for his daughter. The money lender had a very good friend who was a Pandit. He used to visit the money lender everyday and bless his daughter-in-laws. This used to worry the daughter of the money lender, as the Pandit never blessed her. She told about this to her mother, who then asked the Pandit for the reason behind the act. On being questioned, he politely replied that her daughter has a bad fortune and may even become a widow. To help the girl, the Pandit told her to meet a washerwoman who used to live on an island named, Singhal. He further said that her bad luck would transform in good luck, if that washerwoman puts Sindoor (vermilion) on her forehead. With a hope of changing her fate, the girl went to meet the washerwoman. Her service and loyalty impressed the lady and she happily applied Sindoor on her forehead. As a result, her fate changed and she got married to a suitable boy.
To begin with the Puja and other rituals, people clean their house and decorate it with colorful Rangoli and Diyas (earthen lamps). After doing all these activities, Goddess Lakshmi is worshiped for wealth and fortune. It is believed that making donations on new Moon day is very fruitful.
It is believed that observing Amavasya Vrat pacifies the soul of dead ancestors. Single meal is taken throughout the day and that too only after the sunset. Negative or wrong thoughts are strictly avoided.
This Vrat is observed for Lord Vishnu and has to be kept for one year, if started. This Amavasya Vrat helps in overcoming mental stress and improves the financial condition of the person.
Observing Amavasya Vrat is important because it is the way when we can please our ancestors and satisfy their dead souls. As the day is dedicated to all the dead ancestors of the family, keeping Amavasya fast is helpful in appeasing all of them and getting their eternal blessings. If you are depressed due to lack of prosperity & harmony in your family, observing Amavasya Vrat will definitely help.
The day of Amavasya is considered very auspicious to perform Pitra Shanti Puja. Conducting this Puja helps in pacifying the dead souls of one’s ancestors. As per beliefs, people with Pitra Dosha in their Kundali should offer Kheer (sweet rice porridge) to their ancestors. Observing Amavasya Vrat helps in reducing the influence of Pitra Dosha and bestows the observer with health, wealth, and good luck.
We hope that with this article, you have learnt Amavasya or new Moon day. Observe all the Amavasyas of 2017 and welcome goodness & bliss in your life.