A total of 12 Amavasyas (new moon days) occur in a year. Performing religious rituals and prayers on this day yields manifold spiritual benefits. The arrival of Chaturmas is dedicated to human welfare; it is considered the most auspicious time for worship, devotion, and fasting. According to astrological calculations, Chaturmas begins on the *Pratipada* (first day) of the *Krishna Paksha* (dark fortnight) of the Ashadha month and continues until the full moon day (*Purnima*) of the Ashwin month.

The first Amavasya of Chaturmas holds special significance for rituals such as bathing in the Ganges, performing prayers, conducting religious ceremonies, and honoring ancestors. An Amavasya occurring during Chaturmas yields greater spiritual merit than one occurring on ordinary days. In 2026, since the first Amavasya of Chaturmas falls on a particularly auspicious day, devotees will reap special benefits.

**Benefits Based on Planetary Influence**
Pandit Shridhar Shastri from Haridwar explains to *Local 18* that while there are usually 12 Amavasyas in a year, the count increases by one in a year that includes an *Adhik Maas* (an extra lunar month). The specific day of the week on which Amavasya falls further enhances its significance; the spiritual rewards vary according to the ruling planet of that day—whether it falls on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. The first Amavasya of Chaturmas will fall on Tuesday, July 14.

**Appeasing Displeased Ancestors**
Since the first Amavasya of Chaturmas falls on a Tuesday, devotees who engage in worship, prayers, bathing in the Ganges, and acts of charity on this day will earn merit equivalent to the donation of a thousand cows (*Go-daan*). An Amavasya falling on a Monday is known as *Somvati Amavasya*, while one falling on a Tuesday is called *Bhaumvati Amavasya*.

Scriptures attribute special significance to *Bhaumvati Amavasya*. On this day, taking a holy dip in the Ganges at Har Ki Pauri in Haridwar—while chanting mantras dedicated to the Sun God and the River Ganges and silently reciting mantras of Lord Shiva—and donating clothing, food, fruits, and *dakshina* (alms) to the poor and destitute according to one's means, yields manifold spiritual rewards (multiplied millions of times). Even displeased ancestors are appeased.

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