Question 1

What does 'Amavasya' mean?

Accepted Answer

Amavasya means 'new moon' — it's the day each month when the Moon is between the Earth and Sun and isn't visible from Earth.

Question 2

What is Pitru Tarpan?

Accepted Answer

Pitru Tarpan is a ritual offering made to one's ancestors, traditionally performed on Amavasya as a way of showing respect and gratitude.

Question 3

Is Amavasya considered inauspicious?

Accepted Answer

Views vary by tradition — some consider it a quiet, reflective day suited for ancestral rites, while others simply treat it as one of the two lunar poles alongside Purnima.

Question 4

How is today's Amavasya determined?

Accepted Answer

It's calculated from the Moon's position relative to the Sun at your location's sunrise, the same sunrise-based method used for the rest of the Panchang.

Question 5

Does Amavasya happen every month?

Accepted Answer

Yes — Amavasya occurs once in every lunar month, though the exact Gregorian date changes from month to month.