Mauni Amavasya 2026 – In Hindu tradition, Mauni Amavasya holds deep spiritual significance. This auspicious day falls in the month of Magh, and in 2026, it will be observed on 18 January. The day is dedicated to ancestors, and devotees believe that staying silent, taking a holy bath, and performing charity on this day helps purify the mind and soul. It is also said that performing certain rituals at night can relieve long-standing problems and attract divine blessings. Here are some traditional practices associated with the night of Mauni Amavasya.
Light a Lamp Under a Peepal Tree
On the night of Mauni Amavasya, it is believed that divine energies and ancestral blessings reside near the Peepal tree. After sunset, devotees often visit a Peepal tree and offer water and raw milk. Lighting a mustard oil lamp with nine wicks under the tree is considered highly auspicious. After lighting the lamp, one should return home without looking back. This ritual is believed to reduce Pitru Dosha and open new paths to financial growth.
Worship Tulsi and Goddess Lakshmi
Tulsi is considered a sacred form of Goddess Lakshmi. On Mauni Amavasya night, devotees take a bath and light a pure ghee lamp in front of the Tulsi plant. Offering prayers to Goddess Lakshmi and reciting the Shri Sukta is believed to invite lasting prosperity into the home. Many people perform this ritual to ensure stability and continuous blessings from the goddess of wealth.
Donate Black Sesame and Grains
Since Mauni Amavasya is dedicated to ancestors, donating essential items is believed to bring peace to departed souls. Offering black sesame seeds along with grains like wheat or rice to people in need is considered highly auspicious. This traditional act of charity is said to reduce the malefic influence of Shani in one’s horoscope and bring relief from ongoing hardships.
Keep Water in a Silver or Copper Vessel
Another ritual involves filling a silver or copper container with clean water and placing it in the puja area or any sacred corner of the home. The next morning, this water is sprinkled across the house. It is believed that this practice brings calmness, harmony, and positive energy into the household.
Feed the Fish With Turmeric Dough
Feeding fish is considered a powerful remedy for reducing the adverse effects of Saturn, Rahu, and Ketu. On the night of Mauni Amavasya or the following morning, devotees prepare small dough balls mixed with a bit of turmeric and offer them to fish in a nearby river or pond. This ritual is believed to remove obstacles and bring protection from planetary hardships.