Mauni Amavasya 2026: Know Dates, Timings & Significance

Sanatan Dharma gives the most significance to the Moon’s journey and its transition across various zodiac signs. There are two parts to a month and a couple of festivals in a month, as defined by the dates based on the lunar phase. Wherein, Shukla Paksha is the bright or waxing fortnight, and Krishna Paksha is the dark or waning fortnight.

Through the whole period of Shukla Paksha, every day the Moon is brighter and fuller, getting closer to its complete form and turning into a full moon day that ends Shukla Paksha. During Krishna Paksha, the Moon gradually wanes, moving forward to its darkest position. The last day of Krishna Paksha falls on Amavasya, which is called the new moon day.

Mauni Amavasya 2026: Date & Timings

Magha Amavasya or Maghi Amavasya, widely known as Mauni Amavasya, occurs on the new moon day (Amavasya) in the Krishna Paksha phase of the month of Magha. In 2026, Mauni Amavasya is on Sunday, January 18 2026, starting from 12:03 AM and ending at 01:21 AM. The day holds significance for Sanatanis as a mark of their devotion by fasting, donating, and practising spiritual rituals.

The Spiritual Significance of Mauni Amavasya

Religious and cultural practice is the major essence of the Mauni Amavasya. There is a belief that on this day, the gods visit the Earth to dwell in holy rivers and confluences. This is the reason that large gatherings of devotees are seen at major pilgrimage sites, especially along the Ganges, for bathing and offering prayers.

Observing Magha Amavasya Fast? Here’s what you need to know

The fasting begins with a purification bath taken in the holy river/lake during sunrise. The crucial element of the day is the “maun vrat” or “silence vow”, whereby the devotees aim to control their “indriyas” or “senses” and concentrate on self-reflection. This is because the holy scriptures mention the efficacy of verbal prayer/chanting, which is more fruitful and powerful than the silent process of prayer/chanting, ideally practised on the day of Maun vrat.

However, it has been observed that it is always preferred that one keep a tab on his or her speech throughout the day, though it has been understood that this may not be feasible in the modern world at all. It has been stated that the mere observation of silence for an hour before and after the ritual bath and donation helps to multiply spiritual rewards. Also on this day, numerous devotees worship Lord Shiva and Vishnu to cleanse past misdeeds and bring peace and purification.

Sacred Donations Recommended on Mauni Amavasya

As per the holy scriptures, the holy bath on Mauni Amavasya increases the merit of good deeds. This is an important religious date, and it is considered that bathing in a holy river and offering ‘tarpan’ and donating in the name of ancestors results in the ancestors’ peace. On this Mauni Amavasya fasting, one is advised to donate generously, and these donations can be in the form of cash, clothes, a cow, land, gold, grain, sesamum, or any other cherished item.

Magha Amavasya in Vedic Astrology

Festivals and observances in Indian culture are deeply connected to astrology. Capricorn is the tenth sign of the zodiac, and the Sun is in a higher position in the tenth sign of a horoscope, which indicates authority, Karma, or righteousness. 

According to Vedic Astrology, the Sun represents one’s father and religious beliefs. Hence, when the Sun and Moon converge in Capricorn, it becomes extremely auspicious for charity, spiritual, or religious activities. This is why charitable contribution on Mauni Amavasya is believed to result in manyfold advantages.