Aadi Amavasai is a unique festival observed in South India by the Tamil people. Amavasai (New Moon Day) occurs when the Sun and Moon align in the same zodiac sign. Aadi Amavasai, also referred to as Aadi Amavasya, is an important day in the Tamil calendar dedicated to honouring and paying tribute to ancestors. Aadi Amavasai is observed during the Tamil month of Aadi (mid-July to mid-August). Aadi Amavasai is of great spiritual significance, offering individuals a chance to express gratitude and seek blessings from their departed loved ones.
Significance of Aadi Amavasai
During Aadi Amavasai, the Sun, representing Shiva, joins with the Moon, representing Shakti, increasing the Moon's influence. This is why Aadi Amavasai is considered a special day. The New Moon Day, known as Amavasai, holds special significance as it is believed that on this day, ancestors, known as Pitrus (ancestors), come from the Pitruloka (the realm of ancestors) to the Earth to bless their descendants. Therefore, offering Tarpanam to please and honour them is the unique significance of Aadi Amavasai. Engaging rituals and prayers on Aadi Amavasai is believed to bring peace and prosperity to the family, and alleviate ancestral curses or negative karmic influences.
Aadi Amavasai is celebrated with great enthusiasm across Tamil Nadu. In locations such as Rameswaram, Tiruvannamalai, and Kumbakonam, large crowds gather to perform rituals and seek blessings.
Rituals on Aadi Amavasai
- The primary ritual performed on Aadi Amavasai is Tarpanam (Ritual for ancestors), a special offering to the ancestors. Devotees visit sacred rivers, seashores, or temples to perform this ritual. Tarpanam (Ritual for ancestors) involves offering water, sesame seeds, and rice to the departed souls, accompanied by chants and prayers. This act is believed to appease the ancestors and seek their blessings for the well-being of the family.
- Homam is a special fire ritual involving the burning of herbal twigs and dried herbs. This practice is believed to eliminate negative energy, purify the atmosphere, and please the ancestors.
- Aadi Amavasai is also a day for performing charitable acts. Donating food, clothes, and other essentials to the needy is considered highly meritorious. Many people also feed crows and other animals, believing that the spirits of ancestors reside in them on this day.
- Observing a fast and offering prayers to deities, especially Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, is a common practice. Devotees visit temples, recite sacred hymns, and seek divine blessings for their family's prosperity and happiness.
Aadi Amavasai Ritual at Home
- Wake up before sunrise and take a head bath to purify your body and mind.
- Clean your house thoroughly and light a diya (lamp) in your pooja room.
- Follow a half-day fast as a mark of respect and devotion during the rituals.
- Perform Tarpanam (if applicable):
- If you are performing Pitru Tarpanam, make the necessary preparations in advance.
- Seek the guidance of a priest for proper rituals and mantras.
- After completing the tarpanam, offer vegetables and dakshina (money) to the priest as a token of gratitude.
- Prepare simple vegetarian dishes for worshiping ancestors.
- Place a portion of the food on a banana leaf or plate and offer it with prayers to your ancestors.
- Worship using their photo frame and offer new clothes or a symbolic cloth in their memory.
- Offer food to crows or cows, who are believed to carry your offerings to the ancestral realm.
- After completing all the rituals, partake in the prepared food with a sense of reverence and gratitude.
Aadi Amavasai 2025 Date and Time
Aadi Amavasai will be observed on Thursday, 24th July.
The Amavasya Tithi begins at 3:05 AM on 24th July and ends at 1:48 AM on Friday, 25th July.
Aadi Amavasai is a day of profound spiritual significance, offering an opportunity to reconnect with our roots and express gratitude to our ancestors