Chaitra Amavasya 2026: Date, Puja Vidhi & Pitru Tarpan

Chaitra Amavasya 2026 is a day on which honouring ancestors, inner purification and selfless service naturally come together. This Amavasya falls very close to the beginning of the new lunar year, so it is regarded as highly favourable for fresh spiritual resolutions, devotional practices and acts of service. The Pitru Tarpan, charity and Krishna bhakti performed on this day can support the devotee in subtle ways throughout the year. Chaitra Amavasya is the Amavasya Tithi of the Krishna Paksha of the month of Chaitra. In 2026 this Amavasya will be observed on Thursday, 19 March and it will also mark the transition into a new lunar cycle. This moment carries a special possibility for releasing accumulated heaviness through peace, prayer and service.

Date and Tithi timings for Chaitra Amavasya 2026

For Chaitra Amavasya 2026 it is helpful to know the exact Tithi span so that Tarpan, Puja and charity can be performed at the right time.

Chaitra Amavasya 2026 date and timing summary

Detail	Information
Festival	Chaitra Amavasya 2026
Amavasya Tithi	Chaitra month, Krishna Paksha Amavasya
Date of Amavasya	19 March 2026
Start of Amavasya Tithi	18 March 2026, around 08:27 AM
End of Amavasya Tithi	19 March 2026, around 06:55 AM

The Amavasya Tithi will begin on 18 March at about 08:27 AM and will remain in effect until about 06:55 AM on 19 March. Because Amavasya will still be present at sunrise on 19 March 2026, this day is treated as the primary time for Pitru rites, sacred bathing, giving in charity and focused sadhana. It also marks the entry into a new lunar cycle, which deepens the sense of spiritual renewal.

Spiritual significance of Chaitra Amavasya 2026

In the Vedic tradition Amavasya is known as a time for introspection, gratitude towards ancestors and gentle cleansing of karmic impressions. Chaitra Amavasya is especially valued for three main aspects. First, it is a very suitable day for Pitru Tarpan and Shraddha. Through sincerely offering water, sesame and food in the name of departed forefathers, prayers are made for their peace and upliftment. It is believed that when ancestors are remembered with gratitude, subtle blockages in the family field begin to ease and harmony in the home environment is supported. Second, this day is considered highly fruitful for charity and service. The offering of food, clothing and other essentials, particularly to the needy, to Gaushalas and to saintly people, is treated as a way of softening the hard edges of past karma. Third, Chaitra Amavasya is seen as an ideal time for Krishna bhakti and purification of the mind. The energy of Amavasya tends to bring deeper layers of thought to the surface. When that energy is directed towards nama japa, kirtan and hearing of sacred texts, inner restlessness and heaviness can be gently released.

Shani Amavasya and the special context of Chaitra Amavasya 2026

When Amavasya is connected with the influence of Saturday it is often referred to as Shani Amavasya. In the context of 2026 Chaitra Amavasya is closely associated with Saturn, so the day is regarded as especially potent for easing Shani related difficulties through devotion and right conduct. On such a day devotees give importance to sincere prayer to Lord Shani, honest self examination and selfless charity. This occasion is considered supportive for those who have been experiencing prolonged effort without result, obstacles in work, legal complications, stagnation in career or mental pressure. On Shani Amavasya restrained behaviour, humility and a spirit of service are viewed as ways of balancing the more challenging aspects of Saturn.

How to observe Pitru Tarpan and Shraddha on Chaitra Amavasya 2026

On Chaitra Amavasya Pitru Tarpan and Shraddha become natural expressions of gratitude towards ancestors. The external procedure does not need to be very complex. What matters most is sincerity and inner cleanliness. After a morning bath, wearing clean clothes, the devotee may sit calmly at a clean place. Water mixed with Ganga Jal and sesame seeds is offered with folded hands while remembering the forefathers, preferably by name. Quiet prayers are made for their peace and liberation. Those who are able may arrange a more elaborate Shraddha with the help of a priest, yet even a simple offering of water, sesame and heartfelt remembrance can bring benefit. While performing Pitru rites it is important to keep the mind free from anger, resentment and harshness. The core feeling is one of gratitude and forgiveness.

Simple Puja Vidhi at home on Chaitra Amavasya 2026

Chaitra Amavasya 2026 can be observed at home through a simple yet meaningful Puja Vidhi. A practical sequence for the day may be as follows. After taking a bath near Brahma Muhurta or around sunrise, if possible with a few drops of Ganga Jal in the water, the Puja area is cleaned and a lamp is lit. One then sits quietly in front of the chosen deity, especially Lord Vishnu or Lord Krishna and begins the day with Hare Krishna Mahamantra japa or another accepted form of nama japa. For Pitru Tarpan, sesame seeds are mixed into clean water and offered with flowers while praying for the ancestors. A gentle resolve is kept throughout the day to avoid unnecessary conflict, harsh speech and negative thinking. Many devotees also observe a fast. Some take only fruits, while others eat a simple meal once and use the rest of the day for japa, reading, service and quiet reflection. The purpose of fasting is not to punish the body. It is to loosen attachment and turn attention inward.

Importance of Krishna bhakti and sadhana on Chaitra Amavasya 2026

While traditional texts give detailed guidelines for Amavasya rituals, the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition, through acharyas such as Srila Prabhupada, has clarified that ritual alone is not the ultimate aim. He emphasised the central place of bhakti, devotional service to Krishna. His guidance was that on days such as Amavasya devotees should focus on Harinam Sankirtan, the congregational chanting of the holy names, hearing Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam and offering dedicated service to Lord Krishna. Seen in this way, Chaitra Amavasya 2026 becomes a special opportunity for all who wish to go beyond external form and let the mind and intelligence rest in remembrance of Krishna. When Tarpan, charity and Puja are combined with honest nama japa and attentive hearing of scripture, they support lasting peace rather than only temporary relief.

Daan and Seva on Chaitra Amavasya 2026

Scriptures describe the daan offered on Amavasya as especially powerful for spiritual purification. The intention is not only to accumulate merit but also to soften inner hardness and reduce attachment. Some forms of service and charity that can be especially meaningful on Chaitra Amavasya 2026 are these. First, Annadaan, which includes providing food to the hungry, distributing prasadam and arranging meals for those in need, is regarded as one of the highest forms of charity. Second, Gaushala Seva, supporting cow protection through fodder, funds or other assistance, is seen as spiritually uplifting, as the cow is considered dear to Lord Krishna. Third, Sadhu Bhojan Seva, offering food to saints, spiritual practitioners and devotees, is believed to bring subtle blessings to the mind and to the home. Fourth, donation of clothes and essentials, giving clothes, blankets and practical necessities to poor families, labourers and those in distress, is viewed as very auspicious. Fifth, support for temples and dharmic projects, contributing according to one’s capacity to temple construction, maintenance or associated services, is considered a source of long term spiritual benefit. In many situations such donations are also eligible for 80G tax benefit, so the act of giving can be supportive both spiritually and financially.

Chaitra Amavasya 2026 and the path of bhakti

Traditionally the observance of Amavasya has included many karma kanda procedures, yet modern acharyas have clarified that without bhakti these remain incomplete. Srila Prabhupada explained that genuine liberation and deep peace arise not from external ritual alone but from devotional service to Krishna. From this point of view the best use of Chaitra Amavasya is to chant the Hare Krishna Mahamantra, study or hear Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam and dedicate whatever charity or service is offered as an expression of love and gratitude to the Lord. When every action on this day is connected with remembrance of Krishna, Chaitra Amavasya 2026 can gently shift the direction of life towards greater serenity and balance.

Common questions

What is the exact date and Tithi timing for Chaitra Amavasya 2026 Chaitra Amavasya 2026 will be observed on Thursday, 19 March 2026, as the Amavasya of the Krishna Paksha of the month of Chaitra. The Amavasya Tithi will begin on 18 March 2026 at about 08:27 AM and will end on 19 March 2026 at about 06:55 AM.

How can Chaitra Amavasya 2026 be observed simply at home One may bathe, wear clean clothes, light a lamp, meditate on the chosen deity, chant the Hare Krishna Mahamantra or another accepted name of the Lord, perform simple Pitru Tarpan with water and sesame and spend the day in quietness, prayer and helpful action.

What care should be taken while performing Pitru Tarpan on Chaitra Amavasya During Pitru Tarpan the mind should be filled with gratitude and humility. The offering needs to be made with clean water and sesame at a clean place, without anger or negative thoughts. Even a simple offering of water, sesame and prayer can be meaningful when done with sincerity.

Why is Shani Amavasya given special importance in relation to Chaitra Amavasya 2026 When Amavasya is connected with the influence of Saturday it is referred to as Shani Amavasya. On such a day disciplined conduct, prayer to Lord Shani, Annadaan, cow service and help to the poor are believed to ease Saturn related strain, obstacles and inner pressure, so Chaitra Amavasya 2026 is treated as a valuable opportunity for such remedies.

Which forms of charity are most beneficial on Chaitra Amavasya 2026 On this day Annadaan, distribution of clothes, Gaushala Seva, Sadhu Bhojan and support for temples or other dharmic projects are regarded as especially fruitful. When such giving is combined with Krishna bhakti and a selfless intention, Chaitra Amavasya 2026 can become a strong step towards spiritual growth, mental peace and a more balanced life.