By Pt. Sanjeev Sharma
The new moon of Bhadrapada dedicated to ancestor offerings, charity and spiritual reflection

The Amavasya of the Krishna Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada is known as Bhadrapada Amavasya. In many regions it is also called Bhado Amavasya or Bhadi Amavasya and it is regarded as an especially powerful day for Pitru tarpan, charity, remedies for certain doshas and quiet self reflection.
According to the traditional calendar, the date and timing of Bhadrapada Amavasya in 2026 are as follows.
| Detail | Date and Day | Time / Information |
|---|---|---|
| Bhadrapada Amavasya 2026 | Friday, 11 September 2026 | Main day for Amavasya observances |
| Amavasya tithi begins | 10 September 2026 | Around 10:34:59 PM at night |
| Amavasya tithi ends | 11 September 2026 | Around 08:58:05 AM in the morning |
Since the tithi starts late at night on 10 September and continues beyond sunrise on 11 September, the main observance for bathing, charity, Pitru rituals and fasting will fall on Friday, 11 September 2026.
Bhadrapada Amavasya is simply the new moon day of the Krishna Paksha in the Bhadrapada month.
In different parts of India, it is known as
This day is especially dedicated to Pitru related rites, Shraddha, charity and water offerings. The month of Bhadrapada is associated with Lord Krishna, which gives added weight to Amavasya observances in this period. On this day special importance is given to the collection of kusha grass, which is then used in various religious ceremonies throughout the year.
Kusha or sacred green grass, holds a high place in Vedic and traditional rituals.
Ancient texts refer to it as Kushotpatini Amavasya, the Amavasya associated with the gathering of kusha. There is a belief that if this Amavasya falls on a Monday, the kusha collected on that day can be used for up to twelve years in religious work. This expresses the idea that kusha taken on this particular day carries a special purity and lasting sanctity.
Bhadrapada Amavasya is primarily known for Pitru shanti, charity and inner purification. The practices of this day are believed to bear more fruit than on ordinary days.
On the morning of Bhadrapada Amavasya it is auspicious to wake early and bathe.
This act of offering sesame into water is said to support both spiritual cleansing and the satisfaction of the ancestors. Those who cannot go to a river may perform the bath at home and then offer water mixed with sesame to the rising Sun in a clean place.
This Amavasya is considered highly appropriate for Pitru tarpan and pind daan.
The belief is that such offerings bring peace to the Pitru realm and in return the ancestors bless their descendants and help to lighten ancestral karmic burdens.
Charity plays a central role on this day.
The day is closely linked with Shani Dev as well. therefore worship of Shani, mantra japa and acts expressing humility and fairness are considered very beneficial.
In the evening, devotees often light a mustard oil lamp under a Peepal tree.
The Peepal is seen as a meeting point for divine energies, deities and ancestral blessings, so this simple ritual carries a deep symbolic meaning.
From the standpoint of devotion and astrology, Bhadrapada Amavasya is noteworthy in several ways.
Amavasya is the phase when the visible light of the Moon is minimal and the mind tends to turn inward. If this inwardness is guided toward prayer, japa and charity, inner impressions can be reshaped in a positive way.
The same Bhadrapada Amavasya is also known in many regions as Pithori Amavasya. It is especially connected with the protection of children and the blessings of motherhood.
According to traditional belief, on this day Goddess Parvati explained the importance of the Pithori Amavasya fast to Indrani.
The word Pithori is linked with nourishment and the care of children. Through this, the Amavasya becomes not only a day of Pitru honouring but also a celebration of the motherly aspect of divinity and the wellbeing of the next generation.
Bhadrapada Amavasya 2026 offers a quiet yet powerful moment for those who wish to express gratitude toward ancestors, deities and nature.
If a person uses this day to perform Pitru tarpan, to give in charity and to cultivate a more respectful and cooperative attitude within family and society, the observance of Bhadrapada Amavasya 2026 can leave a lasting and gentle influence on daily life.
When is Bhadrapada Amavasya in 2026 and what are the tithi timings?
Bhadrapada Amavasya in 2026 falls on Friday, 11 September. The Amavasya tithi begins on 10 September at about 10:34:59 PM and ends on 11 September at about 08:58:05 AM, making 11 September the main day for rituals.
Which religious practices are especially recommended on Bhadrapada Amavasya?
On this day it is recommended to bathe in clean or sacred water, offer arghya to the Sun, place sesame in water, perform Pitru tarpan and pind daan and give suitable charity. In the evening many devotees light a mustard oil lamp under a Peepal tree and walk around it seven times.
Why is this Amavasya called Kushagrahani or Kushotpatini Amavasya?
It is called Kushagrahani or Kushotpatini Amavasya because kusha grass is ritually cut and collected on this day for use in religious activities. Tradition holds that when this Amavasya falls on a Monday, the kusha gathered may be used for up to twelve years.
What is Pithori Amavasya and what kind of fast is observed?
Pithori Amavasya is another name for Bhadrapada Amavasya. On this day married women worship Goddess Durga or Gauri and keep a fast, praying for the blessing of children and for the sound health and long life of their offspring.
What can be done on Bhadrapada Amavasya for Kaal Sarp Dosha or Pitru Dosha?
Those affected by Kaal Sarp Dosha or Pitru Dosha may perform Pitru tarpan, pind daan, sesame water offerings and related puja on this day. Lighting a mustard oil lamp under a Peepal tree and circumambulating it seven times is also regarded as helpful for Pitru peace and the grace of Shani.
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