A complete guide covering Margashirsha Amavasya date, tithi timings, significance and sacred observances for devotees
Margashirsha Amavasya is regarded as one of the most spiritually significant days in the Hindu lunar calendar. It falls in the holy month of Margashirsha, also known as Aghan, and is considered highly auspicious for performing Pitru Tarpan, offering charity, observing fasts and worshipping Lord Vishnu. In 2025, the sacred day has received special attention because different panchangs mention two possible dates, creating confusion among devotees.
Exact Date in 2025 and the Reason Behind Two Dates
In 2025, Margashirsha Amavasya will be observed on Friday, 20 November 2025. The confusion arises due to the timing of the Amavasya tithi. According to the panchang, the Amavasya tithi begins on 19 November at 09:43 AM and ends on 20 November at 12:16 PM. Rituals are performed on the day when the tithi is present during sunrise. Since the Amavasya tithi prevails at sunrise on 20 November, this is considered the correct and widely accepted day for puja, tarpan, and charity. Some sources list 19 November because the tithi technically begins that morning, but traditional practice follows the sunrise rule, making 20 November the appropriate observance day.
Spiritual Importance of Margashirsha Amavasya
The month of Margashirsha holds deep significance in Hindu tradition. It is associated with devotion to Lord Vishnu and considered spiritually uplifting for those seeking blessings and peace. Margashirsha Amavasya is believed to be especially powerful for performing Pitru Tarpan and Shraddha, which help bring peace to departed ancestors and reduce Pitru Dosha. Devotees also worship Lord Vishnu and Surya Dev for prosperity, protection and harmony. Charity performed on this day is believed to generate strong spiritual benefits. In some traditions, if the day aligns with Mrigashira Nakshatra, the spiritual impact is considered even more auspicious.
Auspicious Timings and Panchang Details
According to the lunar calendar of 2025, the key details are as follows:
- Amavasya Tithi begins on 19 November 2025 at 09:43 AM
- Amavasya Tithi ends on 20 November 2025 at 12:16 PM
- Recommended day for observance is Friday, 20 November 2025
Devotees who wish to follow city specific sunrise and sunset timings may refer to local panchangs or consult astrologers for precise calculations.
How to Observe Margashirsha Amavasya Properly
Devotees begin the day by taking a purification bath before sunrise. Those who cannot visit a holy river may add a few drops of Ganga jal to the bath water, which is considered equally sacred. The most important ritual of the day is Pitru Tarpan. Devotees sit facing south and offer water mixed with black sesame seeds, barley or rice while chanting mantras such as “Om Pitrubhyo Namah”. This ritual is believed to bring peace to ancestors and positive energy to the family.
Worship of Lord Vishnu and Surya Dev is also performed with great devotion. Devotees light a ghee lamp, offer Tulsi leaves, flowers and fruits, and chant the Vishnu Sahasranama or the Gayatri Mantra. Offering arghya to the rising sun is considered highly auspicious. Many people observe a full or partial fast, breaking it only after sunset with prasad or simple satvik meals.
Charity and Shraddha Practices
Charity, known as dana, is strongly recommended on Margashirsha Amavasya. Offerings such as food, clothes, sesame seeds, blankets and dakshina are believed to bring prosperity and blessings. Donations made on this day are considered very powerful. Families following traditional customs may also perform Shraddha or Pind Daan with the help of priests, either at home or at sacred riverbanks.
Simple Checklist for 20 November 2025
On Margashirsha Amavasya, devotees should start the day with a purifying bath, perform Pitru Tarpan facing south, worship Lord Vishnu with Tulsi and a lit lamp, chant sacred mantras, donate essential items to the needy and break the fast only after sunset. Sincere observance of these rituals is believed to bring prosperity, peace and divine blessings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the exact date of Margashirsha Amavasya in 2025
The sacred day will be observed on 20 November 2025, as the tithi prevails during sunrise.
- Why do some calendars mention 19 November instead of 20 November
The tithi begins on 19 November at 09:43 AM, but rituals follow the tithi present at sunrise, which is on 20 November.
- What are the exact tithi timings for 2025
The tithi begins on 19 November at 09:43 AM and ends on 20 November at 12:16 PM.
- What rituals are most important on this Amavasya
The key rituals include Pitru Tarpan, charity, fasting and worship of Lord Vishnu and Surya Dev.
- Why is Pitru Tarpan performed on Margashirsha Amavasya
It is believed to bring peace to ancestors, reduce Pitru Dosha and strengthen family blessings.
- Is charity mandatory on this day
Charity is not mandatory but is strongly encouraged and considered especially auspicious.
- Can beginners perform the rituals at home
Yes. Basic rituals such as bathing, simple tarpan, lighting a lamp, chanting mantras and offering charity can easily be done at home.
- Is fasting compulsory for everyone
No. Devotees may observe a full or partial fast according to their health and capacity, and break it after sunset.
