What is Somvati Amavasya?
Somvati Amavasya is the Amavasya, or new moon day, that falls on a Monday. In the Hindu calendar, Amavasya is considered important for prayer, silence, charity, ancestral remembrance, tarpan and spiritual discipline. When this tithi coincides with Monday, the day becomes especially significant because Monday is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Somvati Amavasya is also called Somwari Amavasya in common speech. Devotees observe vrat, worship Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, offer prayers to ancestors, perform Peepal tree puja and donate according to their capacity.
Somvati Amavasya 2026 Date
In 2026, the important Somvati Amavasya dates are considered to be:
| Somvati Amavasya | Date | Day | Observance |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Somvati Amavasya 2026 | 16 February 2026 | Monday | Shiva puja, snan-daan, Pitru Tarpan |
| Second Somvati Amavasya 2026 | 15 June 2026 | Monday | Vrat, Peepal puja, charity and tarpan |
Exact tithi timings can vary by city because Panchang calculations depend on sunrise and location. Before performing vrat, puja, shraddha or tarpan, check your local Panchang or consult your family purohit.
Spiritual Significance of Somvati Amavasya
Somvati Amavasya is associated with the blessings of Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati and ancestors. Devotees believe that worship, fasting, charity and tarpan on this day bring peace, family harmony, prosperity and spiritual clarity.
Married women often observe the Somvati Amavasya vrat for the long life and well-being of their husbands. Many devotees perform Shiva abhishek, chant “Om Namah Shivaya” or recite the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra.
Because Amavasya is linked with ancestors, this day is also considered suitable for Pitru Tarpan. Offering water and black sesame seeds with faith is believed to honor departed souls and invite ancestral blessings.
Snan-Daan on Somvati Amavasya
Devotees wake up early and take a bath before sunrise or during the morning hours. If possible, a holy dip in a sacred river such as Ganga, Yamuna, Narmada or Godavari is considered auspicious. If that is not possible, a few drops of Gangajal may be added to bathing water at home.
After bathing, wear clean clothes, take a sankalp and perform puja. Donations made with humility are considered especially auspicious on Somvati Amavasya. Common offerings include:
- Food and grains
- Clothes
- Black sesame seeds
- Rice
- Jaggery
- Fruits
- Dakshina
- Meals for people in need
The intention behind daan is compassion and service, not display.
Somvati Amavasya Puja Vidhi
Wake up early, bathe and clean the puja space. Sit with a calm mind and remember Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati and your ancestors.
Offer water, milk, belpatra, akshat, sandalwood and white flowers to the Shivling. If possible, perform Rudrabhishek. Chant “Om Namah Shivaya” with devotion.
Offer flowers, naivedya and traditional suhag items to Goddess Parvati. Married women may pray for family harmony, marital well-being and prosperity.
After Shiva-Parvati puja, perform Pitru Tarpan. Mix black sesame seeds in water and offer it in the name of ancestors while praying for their blessings.
Peepal Puja on Somvati Amavasya
Peepal tree worship is an important tradition on Somvati Amavasya. The Peepal tree is considered sacred in Hindu tradition. Devotees offer water, light a diya, offer flowers and perform parikrama around the tree.
In many families, women perform 108 parikramas and tie raw thread around the tree. If 108 rounds are not practical, 7, 11 or 21 parikramas may also be done with sincere faith. In puja, devotion matters more than the number.
Somvati Amavasya Vrat Rules
Those observing the vrat should take a sankalp after bathing. Depending on health and family tradition, devotees may observe a full fast, fruit fast or simple satvik diet.
Spend the day in prayer, mantra chanting, charity and calm conduct. Avoid anger, lies, harsh words, alcohol, non-vegetarian food and unnecessary arguments. The fast may be completed after evening puja and daan according to family tradition.
What to Do on Somvati Amavasya
- Worship Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati
- Offer water and belpatra to Shivling
- Perform Peepal puja and parikrama
- Offer tarpan for ancestors
- Donate food, clothes or grains
- Chant “Om Namah Shivaya” or Mahamrityunjaya Mantra
- Maintain peace and satvik conduct at home
What to Avoid
- Avoid anger, arguments and harsh speech
- Avoid alcohol and non-vegetarian food
- Do not insult elders, parents or ancestors
- Do not treat daan as a show
- Do not observe a difficult fast against medical advice
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Somvati Amavasya in 2026?
Somvati Amavasya in 2026 is considered to fall on 16 February 2026 and 15 June 2026.
Is Somwari Amavasya the same as Somvati Amavasya?
Yes. Somwari Amavasya and Somvati Amavasya refer to the Amavasya that falls on a Monday.
Which deity is worshipped on Somvati Amavasya?
Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, the Peepal tree and ancestors are worshipped on Somvati Amavasya.
Can Pitru Tarpan be performed on Somvati Amavasya?
Yes. Amavasya is considered suitable for Pitru Tarpan. Water and black sesame seeds are commonly offered for ancestors.
Do married women observe Somvati Amavasya vrat?
Yes. Many married women observe this vrat for marital happiness, family well-being and the long life of their husbands.
Conclusion
Somvati Amavasya is a sacred opportunity to remember Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati and one’s ancestors. Through snan, daan, vrat, Peepal puja, Shiva puja and Pitru Tarpan, devotees seek peace, blessings and spiritual balance. In 2026, the main Somvati Amavasya dates are 16 February 2026 and 15 June 2026. Always confirm local tithi and muhurat with your city Panchang or family purohit.