Amavasya (अमावस्या), also known as Amavas, is the New Moon day in the Hindu lunar calendar. It occurs when the Moon is in conjunction with the Sun, making it invisible to the naked eye.

Key aspects of Amavasya:

• Timing: It happens on the last day of the Krishna Paksha (the dark fortnight) of each Hindu lunar month.
• Significance: In Hinduism, Amavasya is considered an important day for performing rituals, especially those dedicated to ancestors (Pitru). It is believed that offerings made on this day reach the departed souls and provide them peace.
• Activities: Many people observe a fast on Amavasya and engage in charitable activities. It is also considered auspicious for starting new ventures by some, while others consider it inauspicious for new beginnings.
• Festivals: Some major Hindu festivals are linked to Amavasya, such as Diwali, which falls on the Amavasya of the Kartik month.

Different Amavasya days throughout the year have specific names and significance, such as:

• Somvati Amavasya: When Amavasya falls on a Monday (Somvar), it is considered particularly sacred.
• Mahalaya Amavasya: This Amavasya is dedicated to remembering and paying respects to ancestors.

Amavasya is a significant day in the Hindu calendar, deeply rooted in religious and cultural traditions.