On Margashirsha Amavasya, millions across India will pause for prayer, fasting, and ancestral offerings — but not all agree on when to do it. While the lunar phase begins on November 19, 2025 at 9:43 a.m., the sacred observance officially falls on November 20, 2025 — Thursday — because that’s when the new moon remains visible at sunrise, according to Drik Panchang and other traditional sources. This subtle but critical rule creates a quiet tension between calendar apps and temple calendars, leaving families to choose: follow the astronomical window, or the ancient principle that the day’s spiritual power is tied to sunrise.
Why the Confusion? It’s All About Sunrise
Here’s the thing: in Vedic astrology, the day of an Amavasya isn’t determined by when the moon disappears from the sky — it’s determined by whether the new moon is still present when the sun rises. On November 19, 2025, the Amavasya begins at 9:43 a.m. IST and lasts until 12:16 p.m. on November 20. That means for most of the 19th, the moon is already gone. But on the 20th, at dawn, the sky is still dark — no moon in sight. That’s the moment that matters.
That’s why Drik Panchang, India TV, and NDTV all point to the 20th as the primary day. Even YouTube pundits and regional temple announcements echo this. The 19th? It’s a preparatory day — a time for early bathing, setting intentions, or doing light charity. But the real weight — the rituals that carry spiritual force — lands squarely on the 20th.
What Happens on November 20? Rituals That Move Souls
On November 20, 2025, families will rise before dawn. Men and women will bathe in rivers or at home, then light a small fire with cow dung cakes — gobar ke uple — and place a bowl of rice pudding, or kheer, made with milk and jaggery, on the ashes. This offering, called tarpan, is for ancestors. It’s not just tradition; it’s believed to dissolve Pitru Dosh, a karmic imbalance said to cause stagnation in career, health, or relationships.
“When you feed your ancestors with kheer on this day,” says Pundit Rajesh Mehta of Varanasi, “you’re not just remembering them. You’re reconnecting a broken thread.” He’s seen families report relief from chronic anxiety after performing this ritual — not because of magic, he adds, but because the act forces stillness. “In a world that never stops, this day asks you to stop. And that’s healing.”
Alongside tarpan, devotees will offer prayers to Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. Vishnu, the preserver, is invoked for peace in the home and abundance in daily life. Shiva, the transformer, is called upon to release emotional burdens. And then there’s the moon — Chandra Dev — seen as the mind’s calm guardian. Worshipping him on this dark night is said to quiet mental chatter, soothe depression, and bring clarity.
Charity and the Weight of Giving
Donations on November 20, 2025 are considered especially potent. While NDTV doesn’t list specifics, regional practices suggest giving white clothes, milk, rice, or even a cow to a temple or needy family. In Uttar Pradesh, it’s common to feed Brahmins with kheer. In Bengal, people distribute sweets to neighbors. In Tamil Nadu, donations to widows are prioritized.
“Giving on Amavasya isn’t about guilt,” says Dr. Anjali Sharma, a cultural anthropologist at Delhi University. “It’s about reciprocity. You’re acknowledging that your well-being is tied to those who came before you — and those who come after.”
Why This Amavasya Matters More Than Most
This isn’t just another new moon. Margashirsha Amavasya arrives at the cusp of seasons — the end of autumn, the beginning of winter. In the Hindu calendar, this transition is sacred. It’s when the earth slows, when the air turns crisp, and when the soul turns inward. The rituals aren’t arbitrary. They’re seasonal medicine.
For those burdened by grief, unresolved family conflicts, or persistent bad luck, this day offers a reset. The fact that the lunar phase spans two days doesn’t dilute the power — it deepens it. The 19th becomes a time of preparation. The 20th becomes the day of surrender.
What’s Next? The Quiet Power of Tradition
As digital calendars flood phones with alerts, and AI-generated panchangs churn out conflicting dates, millions still choose to follow the old way — watching the sky, listening to elders, lighting the fire at dawn. There’s no app for that kind of knowing.
On November 20, 2025, in villages and high-rises alike, someone will pour kheer onto ash. Someone will whisper a name they haven’t said aloud in years. Someone will breathe deeply, and for a moment, time will stop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Margashirsha Amavasya observed on November 20 and not November 19?
According to Vedic tradition, the day of an Amavasya is determined by whether the new moon is still absent at sunrise. Though the lunar phase begins on November 19, it ends before sunrise on the 20th, making November 20 the official day for rituals. This rule ensures spiritual potency aligns with the natural cycle of light and darkness, not just astronomical timing.
What is the significance of offering kheer during tarpan?
Kheer, made from milk and rice, symbolizes purity, nourishment, and the sweetness of ancestral blessings. Offering it on cow dung fire — a traditional purifier — is believed to carry the offering directly to the departed. Many families report emotional relief after this ritual, suggesting it helps process unresolved grief and restores spiritual balance.
Can I perform these rituals if I’m not in India?
Absolutely. The rituals can be performed anywhere — even in a kitchen. Light a small candle or electric lamp instead of a fire, offer kheer in a clean bowl, and recite your ancestors’ names with sincerity. The intention matters more than location. Many NRIs in the U.S. and U.K. hold quiet ceremonies at dawn, following Indian time zones.
Is Margashirsha Amavasya only for people with Pitru Dosh?
No. While it’s especially powerful for those dealing with ancestral karma, anyone can benefit. The day is a universal reset — a chance to release emotional clutter, seek inner peace, and reconnect with family roots. Even those without known spiritual burdens find it brings unexpected calm and clarity.
Are there specific mantras or prayers to chant?
Yes. Common chants include the Pitru Gayatri Mantra and verses from the Garuda Purana. Many also recite the Shiva Tandava Stotram or the Vishnu Sahasranama. If unfamiliar, simply speak your ancestors’ names aloud with love. The heart’s sincerity is considered more powerful than perfect pronunciation.
Why is this Amavasya called Darsh Amavasya?
"Darsh" means "to see" or "to witness." This Amavasya is called Darsh Amavasya because it’s the last new moon before the winter solstice — a time when the darkness is most profound, and the soul is most receptive. It’s the moment you can truly "see" your inner world without distraction, making it ideal for reflection, prayer, and ancestral connection.
