Somvati Amavasya – Key Rituals: December 30, 2024
Date & Timings:
Amavasya Tithi Begins – 4:02 AM (IST) on December 30, 2024
Amavasya Tithi Ends – 3:56 AM (IST) on December 31, 2024
Significance of Somvati Amavasya
Somvati Amavasya is a rare and powerful occurrence in Hindu tradition that happens when Amavasya (New Moon) falls on a Monday. This alignment is considered extremely auspicious for spiritual cleansing, ancestral worship, and seeking divine blessings.
It is believed that observing rituals on this day can:
Pacify the souls of ancestors (Pitru Moksha)
Remove obstacles in life
Bring prosperity and peace to families
Cleanse sins from past lives
Mythologically, Somvati Amavasya is linked to blessings from Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Women also perform special rituals for the well-being and longevity of their spouses.
Key Rituals on December 30, 2024
1. Holy Bath (Snan) in Sacred Rivers
Devotees wake up early and take a dip in holy rivers like the Ganga, Yamuna, or Godavari.
Bathing in these waters is believed to purify the soul and wash away negative karma.
Those unable to visit rivers can bathe at home, adding Ganga Jal (holy water) to their bath.
2. Pitru Tarpan (Offering to Ancestors)
Performing Tarpan (offering water mixed with sesame seeds) for ancestors brings peace to their souls.
It is believed to remove Pitru Dosha (ancestral karma) and attract blessings.
Offering milk, black sesame, and flowers by rivers or lakes is common.
3. Observing a Fast (Vrat)
Many devotees, especially women, observe a strict fast on this day.
The fast is often Nirjala (without water) or with minimal fruits.
Fasting is believed to strengthen the family bond, increase longevity, and invite divine protection.
4. Peepal Tree Worship
Devotees circumambulate a Peepal tree (sacred fig) 108 times while tying sacred threads around it.
This ritual pleases Lord Vishnu and is believed to remove sins and grant desires.
Watering the Peepal tree is considered equivalent to pleasing deities and ancestors.
5. Charity and Donation (Daan)
Giving food, clothes, and money to the poor and Brahmins on Somvati Amavasya is highly auspicious.
Donations of sesame seeds, rice, jaggery, and utensils are considered meritorious.
Feeding cows, crows, and dogs symbolizes offerings to ancestors.
6. Shiva-Parvati Puja
Worshipping Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati with milk, honey, and bilva leaves brings marital harmony and family prosperity.
Offering white flowers and lighting lamps (Deep Daan) in temples is common.
Mantras and Chants
Chanting Mahamrityunjaya Mantra or Om Namah Shivaya during the day enhances spiritual strength. Reciting the Bhagavad Gita or listening to the Shiva Purana attracts divine blessings.
Astrological Importance (December 30, 2024)
Astrologically, this Somvati Amavasya occurs during the transition between years, amplifying the impact of planetary alignments. This period is believed to be powerful for:
Releasing negative energy from the past year
Inviting positivity and growth for the upcoming year
Healing family karmic bonds
Observing Somvati Amavasya on December 30, 2024, is a profound way to connect with ancestors, seek divine grace, and reset your spiritual path for the year ahead. Through fasting, prayers, and acts of charity, devotees can pave the way for peace, prosperity, and protection for themselves and their loved ones.