Hindus follow two main lunar calendar systems: Amavasyant (Amanta) and Purnimant. In the Amanta system, the lunar month ends on Amavasya. In the Purnimant system, the lunar month ends on Purnima (full moon day) instead.

This is why the same Amavasya can carry a different month name depending on which system a region follows. Read more about this in our guide on the 2 Types of Hindu Calendars.

Amavasya is given a special name depending on the day it falls on.

• Somavati Amavasya: Amavasya that falls on a Monday. It is considered especially significant for married women, who observe a fast for their husband’s long life.
• Shani Amavasya: Amavasya that falls on a Saturday. This day is linked to Lord Shani and is considered suitable for prayers that remove obstacles.

Amavasya is also known by other names depending on the region. It is called Amasa or Amavasi in some parts of India. Certain Amavasya days in specific months carry their own names too, such as Mauni Amavasya (Magha month), Hariyali Amavasya (Shravana month, observed mainly in North India), and Mahalaya Amavasya or Sarva Pitru Amavasya (Ashwina month, marking the end of Pitru Paksha).

Hindus generally consider Amavasya an inauspicious day. On this day, Hindus worship their forefathers by offering food, known as Shraddha, to bring peace to the ancestors’ souls. People are traditionally advised not to travel or begin new work on this day.

Because of this belief, several groups of traditional workers avoid working on Amavasya.

• Goldsmiths: Avoid starting new work or opening new orders on this day.
• Hairdressers: Many barbers keep their shops closed on Amavasya.
• Dhobis (washermen): Traditionally do not take up washing work on this day.
• Carpenters and masons: Avoid starting new construction or woodwork on Amavasya.

Even today, many households across India continue to follow this practice.

From ancient times, Hindus treated Amavasya itself as a day of rest, much like a holiday. The concept of a fixed weekly holiday on Sunday came to India during British rule. Before that, Amavasya functioned as a natural break in the working month for many traditional occupations.

The table below lists all Amavasya dates for 2026, based on the New Delhi Panchang.

Note: 2026 has an extra Amavasya (Adhika Jyeshtha, in June) because of Adhik Maas, an additional lunar month that is added periodically to align the lunar and solar calendars.