Phalguna Amavasya 2025 will be observed on Thursday, February 27th , marking the final New Moon day (Amavasya) of the Phalguna month in the Hindu lunar calendar. Amavasya, the day of the new moon, holds special significance in Hinduism as it is considered a time for introspection, ancestral worship, and spiritual renewal. Phalguna Amavasya is particularly auspicious as it is associated with honoring departed ancestors (Pitru Paksha) and seeking blessings for the well-being of both the living and the deceased.
Devotees perform various rituals such as Tarpan (water offerings) and Shraddha (ancestral rites) on this day, seeking the blessings of their ancestors for peace, prosperity, and liberation. This day also marks a time for performing acts of charity, meditation, and prayer to invoke divine blessings for family and spiritual growth. Phalguna Amavasya is not only a day of honoring the past but also an opportunity for spiritual cleansing and preparing oneself for new beginnings.
Significance & Importance of Phalguna Amavasya
Phalguna Amavasya holds profound significance in Hindu tradition, primarily due to its connection with both ancestral rites and spiritual purification. The new moon day in the month of Phalguna is an opportunity for devotees to perform rituals that honor their ancestors, offering them peace and seeking their blessings. This day is believed to be particularly potent for ancestral worship, as it is thought that the souls of departed ancestors are especially receptive to the offerings made on Amavasya.
Phalguna Amavasya is also seen as a time for introspection and spiritual cleansing. The darkness of the new moon symbolizes the removal of negative influences, and through fasting, prayer, and meditation, devotees aim to purify themselves both physically and spiritually. It is believed that by observing the rituals on this day, one can cleanse their heart and mind of impurities, making space for positivity, clarity, and divine blessings.
Furthermore, Phalguna Amavasya is regarded as an auspicious day for new beginnings. It marks a time for devotees to release past burdens and start fresh, setting new intentions for the future. By engaging in charitable acts such as donating to the needy or performing community service, individuals earn spiritual merit and contribute to the well-being of others, which is considered highly beneficial.
The importance of Phalguna Amavasya lies in its dual purpose: honoring ancestors and purifying oneself spiritually. It is a day to seek blessings for prosperity, spiritual growth, and protection, while also fostering a deeper connection with both the divine and the departed souls. Through reflection, rituals, and acts of kindness, this day serves as a reminder to maintain harmony in life and to move forward with a pure heart and mind.
History of Phalguna Amavasya
The history of Phalguna Amavasya is rooted in ancient Hindu traditions and beliefs, where it is seen as a time of spiritual renewal and connection with the divine and the ancestors. This particular Amavasya, falling in the Phalguna month, has its own unique place in Hindu mythology and rituals.
One of the key aspects of Phalguna Amavasya is its association with Pitru Paksha, a 16-day period dedicated to honoring ancestors, which ends with the Amavasya. During this time, the souls of ancestors are believed to visit the Earth, and offerings are made to ensure their peace and well-being in the afterlife. The Phalguna Amavasya marks the culmination of these rites, when people perform specific rituals like Tarpan (offering water to ancestors) and Shraddha (ancestral rites) to seek blessings for the deceased and to ensure their liberation from earthly attachments.
There is also a deeper symbolic meaning behind the observance of Phalguna Amavasya. The new moon, representing the darkness, is considered a time to let go of past attachments and negative influences. It is believed that by fasting, meditating, and engaging in spiritual practices, devotees can purify themselves and renew their commitment to righteousness and dharma.
Additionally, the history of Phalguna Amavasya has been linked to mythological stories, where it is believed that this day was chosen by several kings and sages in the past to perform specific rites to honor their ancestors, ensuring peace in their kingdom and family. The acts of charity and prayer performed on this day were seen as vital for securing prosperity and peace.
Festival Date, Time, Muhurat & Tithi
Phalguna Amavasya will be observed on Thursday, February 27th, 2025.
Amavasya Tithi (new moon day) of the Phalguna month as per the lunar calendar.
The Amavasya Tithi begins at 05:34 AM on February 27th and ends at 06:20 AM on February 28th (IST).
Key Timings for Phalguna Amavasya 2025:
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Madhyahna Time:
12:21 PM to 02:34 PM (IST)
Duration: 2 Hours 13 Minutes -
Phalguna Amavasya Snan (Holy Bath) Muhurat:
05:30 AM to 07:42 AM (IST)
Duration: 2 Hours 12 Minutes
Note: Devotees begin their Vijaya Ekadashi rituals at sunrise, making it a key time for the day's observances. Sunrise and sunset vary by region and date due to India's geographical diversity. For exact timings, refer to local astronomical data.
What to do on Phalguna Amavasya?
Phalguna Amavasya is a day dedicated to spiritual purification, honoring ancestors, and seeking blessings for prosperity and peace. The observance begins with an early morning bath, ideally in a river or with water mixed with a few drops of Ganga Jal, symbolizing physical and spiritual cleansing. After bathing, devotees typically perform the Tarpan ritual, where they offer water to their ancestors, accompanied by prayers asking for their peace, blessings, and liberation.
Fasting is a common practice on Phalguna Amavasya, with many devotees choosing to observe a waterless fast (nirjala vrat) or consuming simple foods like fruits and milk. An essential part of the day is honoring one’s ancestors through rituals and offerings, as Phalguna Amavasya is especially significant for ancestral worship. Devotees may light a lamp in memory of their ancestors and pray for their continued protection and peace. Acts of charity are also strongly encouraged on this day; donating food, clothes, or money to those in need is considered highly auspicious and helps accumulate spiritual merit.
The celebration concludes with evening rituals, including performing aarti and offering prasad (sanctified food) to family members. This day is seen as an opportunity to connect deeply with the divine, seek blessings for the family’s well-being, and purify the soul.
Phalguna Amavasya Puja Vidhi (Puja Procedure)
Phalguna Amavasya Puja is a sacred ritual performed to honor ancestors, seek divine blessings, and purify the soul.
Preparation and Early Morning Bath
The day begins with an early morning bath, ideally before sunrise. Devotees cleanse themselves by taking a dip in a holy river if possible, or by using water mixed with a few drops of Ganga Jal (Ganges water). This act symbolizes physical and spiritual purification. After bathing, devotees wear clean, fresh clothes, and prepare the altar for the puja.
Setting Up the Puja Altar
The next step is to set up a puja altar or platform in a clean space. On the altar, place an image or idol of your Ishta Devata. Also, place a small picture or idol of the ancestors if desired. Light a lamp (diya) and incense sticks to create a divine atmosphere and offer a respectful invitation for the presence of divine energies.
Offering Tarpan and Ancestral Worship
One of the central rituals of Phalguna Amavasya is Tarpan , where water mixed with sesame seeds, black til (sesame), and kusha grass is offered to the ancestors. This is done to seek peace and blessings for the departed souls. While offering Tarpan, devotees chant mantras or prayers, invoking their ancestors and requesting their blessings for prosperity, peace, and spiritual progress for the family.
Charity and Acts of Kindness
Performing acts of charity is highly encouraged during Phalguna Amavasya. Donating food, clothes, or money to the poor, or providing support to priests and the less fortunate, is seen as a way to earn spiritual merit and gain the grace of the divine. Charity is performed as a means of accumulating good karma and ensuring the prosperity and well-being of the family.
Evening Rituals and Aarti
In the evening, after a day of fasting and prayers, devotees perform the final ritual— Aarti . After the aarti, prasad (sanctified food) is distributed to family members, and the ritual concludes with a prayer for peace, happiness, and spiritual growth. Some devotees may also perform a final round of Tarpan or offer additional prayers before closing the puja.
By following this puja procedure, devotees aim to purify their minds and souls, honor their ancestors, and invoke divine blessings for prosperity, peace, and spiritual advancement.
Phalguna Amavasya Puja Mantras
Pitra Dosh Nivaran Mantra
This mantra is believed to help remove the effects of Pitra Dosh (a karmic debt caused by ancestral wrong doings or neglected rituals). Reciting this mantra is said to bring peace to the souls of ancestors and relieve the family from the negative influences caused by unfulfilled ancestral obligations.
Mantra: 'ॐ द्रं द्रं द्रां पितराय स्वाहा।'
(Om Dran Dran Draan Pitaray Swaha)
This mantra is chanted to invoke blessings from the ancestors and ensure their peace and liberation.
Pitra Tarpan Mantra
The Tarpan Mantra is recited while performing the Tarpan ritual, which involves offering water to the ancestors. This is done to appease the souls of the ancestors and seek their blessings for the family’s well-being.
Mantra: 'ॐ श्रां श्रां श्रां पितृभ्यः स्वाहा।'
(Om Shraam Shraam Shraam Pitryabhya Swaha)
This mantra is believed to pacify the ancestors' spirits and help ensure that they rest in peace. It also brings blessings of prosperity and good fortune to the family.
Phalguna Amavasya Vrat Vidhi (Fasting Procedure)
The fast begins early in the morning with a sacred bath, typically before sunrise. Devotees cleanse themselves, often using water mixed with a few drops of Ganga Jal, symbolizing physical and spiritual purification. After bathing, they dress in clean clothes, setting the tone for the day of fasting and devotion.
The fasting itself can vary in intensity, with some devotees opting for a strict waterless fast (nirjala), while others consume simple foods such as fruits, milk, and water, avoiding grains and heavy foods. The focus is on maintaining a pure and disciplined state throughout the day. Devotees perform Tarpan, where they offer water mixed with sesame seeds to honor their ancestors. This ritual is believed to bring peace to the departed souls and ensure their blessings for the family.
Throughout the day, devotees also engage in acts of charity, such as donating food, clothes, or money to the less fortunate. Charity is seen as a way to accumulate good karma and further purify the mind and spirit. As the day progresses, devotees conclude the vrat with an evening aarti, a devotional prayer to your Ishta Devata, and distribute prasad (sanctified food) among family members. The day ends with prayers for prosperity, peace, and spiritual progress.
By observing the Phalguna Amavasya vrat, devotees aim to purify their bodies and souls, seek blessings for their ancestors, and invoke divine grace for health, wealth, and overall well-being.
Phalguna Amavasya Vrat Katha (Traditional Fasting Story)
One popular story associated with Phalguna Amavasya is about a devoted king named Raghuraj . The tale emphasizes the power of fasting, devotion, and honoring ancestors during this auspicious day.
King Raghuraj was a just and kind ruler, beloved by his subjects. However, his kingdom faced a series of unfortunate events, including droughts and famines. No matter how much he tried, prosperity seemed to elude his kingdom. Distressed, he sought the advice of a wise sage who resided in the forest near his kingdom.
The sage, after listening to the king's troubles, told him that his kingdom was suffering due to an unfulfilled ancestral obligation. His ancestors were restless because they had not been properly honored, and their blessings had not been sought for generations. The sage advised the king to observe the fast on Phalguna Amavasya, perform ancestral rites, and offer Tarpan (water offerings) to appease the souls of his ancestors.
Following the sage's advice, King Raghuraj prepared for the fast with great reverence. On the day of Phalguna Amavasya, he bathed in holy water, observed a complete fast, and performed Tarpan with devotion, offering water mixed with sesame seeds to his ancestors. He also prayed to Bhagawan Vishnu for prosperity, peace, and blessings for his kingdom.
As the king completed the rituals with full sincerity and devotion, a divine vision appeared to him. His ancestors, now at peace, blessed him for performing the rites and assured him that his kingdom would soon prosper. That very year, the rains came, the famine ended, and the kingdom flourished once again. The people of the kingdom celebrated, and the king became known for his wisdom and devotion to his ancestors.
The story of King Raghuraj serves as a reminder of the importance of honoring one’s ancestors and the powerful effects of observing the Phalguna Amavasya fast. It is believed that by performing the rituals with devotion and sincerity, devotees can cleanse their past karmas, bring peace to their ancestors' souls, and invite prosperity and blessings into their lives.
Puja Utensils, Essentials
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Conclusion
Phalguna Amavasya is a deeply spiritual day that emphasizes purification, ancestral reverence, and connection to the divine. This sacred day invites devotees to honor their ancestors and seek blessings for prosperity, peace, and spiritual progress. Through fasting, prayers, and acts of charity, devotees cleanse their minds and souls, embracing values of self-discipline, devotion, and humility. It is a time to reconnect with the deeper aspects of life, offering gratitude for the support of both the ancestors and the divine. As the rituals unfold, the atmosphere becomes filled with the spirit of devotion and remembrance, reminding us that true peace and success arise from honoring the past, purifying the present, and seeking divine grace for a brighter future.
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