Thai Amavasya 2026: Date, Time and Pitru Ritual Significance

Date, Time And Tithi Of Thai Amavasya 2026

In the spiritual traditions of South India, Thai Amavasya is regarded as a deeply significant day for remembering ancestors and seeking their blessings for the entire family. It is the first Amavasya of Uttarayana and coincides with the harvest period and Pongal celebrations, which adds to its strength as a time for gratitude and inner purification.

According to the Tamil calendar, Thai Amavasya is the no moon day in the month of Thai. In 2026, its date and tithi details are as follows.

Detail	Date	Time
Thai Amavasya 2026	Sunday, 18 January 2026	Amavasya observances throughout the day
Amavasya tithi begins	18 January 2026	12:03 am at night
Amavasya tithi ends	19 January 2026	01:21 am at night

Because Amavasya is present at sunrise on 18 January, the main Shraddha, Tarpanam and offerings to the ancestors are performed on this day. As the first Amavasya of Uttarayana, Thai Amavasya is treated as especially auspicious for sacred acts and Pitru related observances.

Month Of Thai, Harvest Time And Link With Uttarayana

In the Tamil calendar, Thai Amavasya falls in the month of Thai, which usually spans from around 15 January to 12 February. This period is also recognised as the harvest month, marked by Pongal festivities and renewed activity in the fields and homes.

Since Thai Amavasya comes after the Sun’s turning towards the north, it is closely linked with Uttarayana. In traditional understanding, Uttarayana is regarded as the day of the Devas, while Dakshinayana is their night. Any acts of charity, bathing, worship and Shraddha performed during Uttarayana are believed to carry special merit.

For this reason, the Pitru Tarpanam, Shraddha and prayers done on Thai Amavasya are valued as supportive for easing Pitru Dosha, clearing obstacles and inviting growth for the family line.

Thai Amavasya, Mauni Amavasya And Triveni Amavasya

Thai Amavasya is also known by other names in different regions of India.

In North India, the same New Moon is widely observed as Mauni Amavasya. On this day, many practitioners keep a vow of silence and reduce speech as far as possible, allowing the mind to turn inward. This discipline helps to avoid unnecessary arguments and supports deeper focus during Tarpanam and prayer.

In some regions such as Odisha, the day is linked with the observance of Triveni Amavasya, where bathing and rituals at river confluences are emphasised. In this way, Thai Amavasya in the South, Mauni Amavasya in the North and Triveni Amavasya in other regions are different expressions of a common spiritual theme.

How Is Thai Amavasya Celebrated In Tamil Nadu

In Tamil Nadu, Thai Amavasya brings strong devotional activity at rivers, seashores and major temples.

• Many devotees travel to Rameshwaram and bathe at the Agnitheertham sea shore in the early hours, followed by offerings for their ancestors
• Special prayers and worship are offered to the Navagrahas at places such as Devipattinam and Rameshwaram for relief from planetary challenges and for Pitru grace
• At the Sri Ramanathaswamy temple, a special procession is organised in which the murtis of Shiva, Lord Rama and Sita Maa are carried to Agnitheertham, where worship is completed

In Kanyakumari, Rameshwaram, Dhanushkoddi, Muhuntharayarchatram, Sethukarai and Devipattinam, Thai Amavasya is observed with sacred baths, Pujas and Shraddha ceremonies. Thousands of devotees gather at the shores to offer water, Pinda and prayers for their ancestors with deep reverence.

Thai Amavasya And The Journey Of The Soul

The observances of Thai Amavasya draw from the understanding of the soul’s journey after death.

After leaving the body, the soul is believed to travel towards Pitru Loka, the realm of the ancestors, where it resides for a period before taking another birth. While in Pitru Loka, it is described as experiencing hunger, thirst and a desire for completion.

The offerings made on Thai Amavasya, when done with faith and love, are intended to address these needs at a subtle level and to ask for blessings in return. The relationship between ancestors and descendants is seen as a living and ongoing exchange rather than something that ends with death.

Main Rituals Of Thai Amavasya

Several core rituals are traditionally performed on Thai Amavasya to honour the ancestors.

• Tarpanam is done, in which water and sesame seeds are offered to the ancestors with specific chants and gestures
• Thila Homa is performed, where sesame seeds are offered into the sacred fire along with mantras, seeking the easing of karmic burdens
• Pinda Dhanam is conducted, in which rice or other grains shaped into offerings are dedicated to the Pitru line

Performing these rituals at holy places, pilgrim centres or on the banks of rivers and seas is considered especially sacred. People often travel to Haridwar, Prayag Triveni Sangam, Rameshwaram, Kanyakumari and other river ghats to carry out these observances in a deeply focused way.

Method And Belief Around Tarpanam On Thai Amavasya

During Tarpanam on Thai Amavasya, sesame seeds and water occupy a central place.

The practitioner offers streams of water mixed with black sesame seeds, sometimes with milk or sacred water, while remembering the names and lineage of the ancestors. It is believed that such offerings help to calm the unfulfilled desires, suffering and restlessness of the souls in the Pitru realm.

A respected belief is that properly done Tarpanam can support seven generations of ancestors. By easing their burdens, Tarpanam is said to reduce blocks and hidden obstacles in the lives of the descendants and to open more space for stability and progress.

Benefits Of Tharpanam And Relief From Pitru Dosha

Performing Tharpanam on Thai Amavasya is associated with many benefits.

It is believed to help resolve difficulties related to health, finances and relationships that may have roots in unresolved ancestral patterns or Pitru Dosha. When the ancestors are satisfied, they are said to bless their descendants with peace, protection and longevity.

This observance is also seen as a way for the Pitru to move beyond curses or painful karmic bonds and to continue their journey more freely. In this sense, Tharpanam is a service both to the ancestors and to those who are still living.

Amavasya, Somvati Amavasya And Worship Of Lord Shiva

Amavasya, the New Moon day, is in itself one of the most important days for rituals and inward turning.

When Amavasya falls on a Monday, it is called Somvati Amavasya. This combination usually occurs once a year and is considered a special opportunity for both ancestral rites and personal vows. Monday is dedicated to Lord Shiva, so the joining of Somvar with Amavasya strengthens the practice of fasting and worship on that day.

It is believed that when a person suffers from prolonged illness, the spouse may fast on Somvati Amavasya and circumambulate a peepal tree with prayers for recovery. Performing Shraddha and Tarpanam on Somvati Amavasya is also regarded as pleasing to the ancestors and supportive for overall wellbeing.

Bringing Thai Amavasya 2026 Into Daily Life

Thai Amavasya 2026 can become much more meaningful when it is seen not only as a ritual date but as a day of gratitude and responsibility towards one’s lineage.

Along with bathing, Shraddha and Tarpanam, honouring living elders, listening to their experiences and seeking their blessings can also be treated as part of Pitru worship. Those who cannot travel to major pilgrim places may still perform Tarpanam and simple prayers at home with sincerity and care.

If this Amavasya is linked with a clear resolve to live in a way that respects ancestral values of honesty, restraint and compassion, it becomes a starting point for a more stable and harmonious family life in the days ahead.

Common Questions

When is Thai Amavasya in 2026 and what are its tithi timings
Thai Amavasya in 2026 will be observed on Sunday, 18 January. The Amavasya tithi begins at 12:03 am on 18 January and ends at 01:21 am on 19 January, so the main Pitru rites are kept on 18 January.

Why is Thai Amavasya considered so important for Pitru rites
Thai Amavasya is the first Amavasya of Uttarayana and falls during the harvest and Pongal period. Tarpanam, Thila Homa and Pinda Dhanam on this day are believed to be very effective in easing Pitru Dosha, reducing obstacles and inviting blessings for the family.

What main rituals are performed on Thai Amavasya
On Thai Amavasya, Tarpanam is done with sesame seeds and water, Thila Homa is performed with sesame offerings in the fire and Pinda Dhanam is carried out for the ancestors. These are often combined with Abhishekam, Puja and mantra chanting, followed by charity to Brahmins or the needy.

How is Thai Amavasya related to Mauni Amavasya
In South India, the day is known as Thai Amavasya, while in North India it is widely observed as Mauni Amavasya. In both forms, it is a New Moon focused on silence, bathing, charity and Pitru Tarpanam, with many practitioners choosing to remain as quiet and reflective as possible.

How can one make Thai Amavasya 2026 meaningful in personal life
A person can use Thai Amavasya 2026 to perform Tarpanam and Shraddha, to remember and thank the ancestors and to seek their guidance. Respecting elders, simplifying habits and resolving to speak and act with more responsibility and kindness can turn this Amavasya into a genuine beginning for inner and family level change.