The month of Sawan is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and the Amavasya (new moon) of this month is celebrated as Hariyali Amavasya. This day is considered highly significant from a religious and spiritual perspective. It is especially sacred for devotees of Lord Shiva.
Hariyali Amavasya is associated with the greenery of nature and the worship of Lord Shiva. Fasting, bathing, charity, offering oblations to ancestors (tarpan), and performing puja (worship) hold special importance on this day. However, even actions performed with devotion can be fruitless without correct knowledge. Therefore, it is important to keep certain things in mind on this day.
When is Hariyali Amavasya 2025?
According to the Panchang (Hindu calendar), the Amavasya Tithi (date) of the Sawan month begins at 2:28 AM on July 24, 2025. This date will end at 12:40 AM on July 25, 2025. According to the Udaya Tithi (sunrise timing), Hariyali Amavasya will be celebrated on July 24. This day falls on a Thursday, which is considered the day of Lord Vishnu and Brihaspati (Jupiter).
Avoid Consuming Meat and Alcohol
Special care should be taken regarding food and drinks on a sacred day like Hariyali Amavasya. Consumption of non-vegetarian food and tamasic substances like alcohol is prohibited on this day. Also, foods like garlic and onions should not be included in the meal on this day. It is considered appropriate to eat pure, sattvic (vegetarian) food on this day.
Do Not Cut Hair or Nails on Amavasya
According to beliefs, physical activities like cutting hair, cutting nails, or washing hair are considered inauspicious on the Amavasya Tithi. This day is for purification of the soul and offering oblations to ancestors, so focusing on physical adornment or material things is considered inappropriate.
Avoid Auspicious Activities like Head Shaving or Housewarming
Regarding Hariyali Amavasya, it is believed that no auspicious work such as head shaving ceremonies (Mundan Sanskar), housewarming ceremonies (Griha Pravesh), weddings, or starting anything new should be done on this day. It is believed that the position of the planets is weak on the day of Amavasya, and good results are not obtained from auspicious work.
Refrain from Buying a Broom
Religious belief dictates that buying a broom on the day of Amavasya brings inauspicious results. It is said that the broom is a symbol of Lakshmi (Goddess of wealth), and buying a broom on this day can anger Goddess Lakshmi. This can lead to loss of wealth in the house and there is a possibility of financial hardship.
Maintain Cleanliness During Shiva Puja
Purity matters most in the worship of Lord Shiva. On this day, take a bath, wear clean clothes, and offer Bel Patra (leaves of the Aegle marmelos tree), water, milk, and Dhatura (thorn apple) at the temple or Shiva temple. Avoid wrong pronunciation or impurity of mind during worship.
If worship is done with pure intentions on Hariyali Amavasya, its fruits are multiplied. But even small mistakes can destroy all the merits.
Be Sure to Offer Tarpan to Ancestors
Offering Tarpan (oblations) to ancestors on Hariyali Amavasya is considered very auspicious. On this day, offer water to ancestors with Gangajal (Ganges water), sesame seeds, and Kusha grass. Also, take blessings by giving donations to Brahmins. It is said that this reduces Pitra Dosh (ancestral defect) and maintains peace and happiness in the house.
Peace Will Be Achieved Through Meditation and Chanting
Meditation, spiritual practice (sadhana), and mantra chanting have special significance on Hariyali Amavasya. Chanting the Shiva Panchakshari Mantra 'Om Namah Shivaya' is considered especially beneficial on this day. Apart from this, mantras of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi can also be chanted.
Planting Trees is also a Virtuous Act
The name Hariyali Amavasya is itself associated with greenery, so there is also a tradition of planting trees on this day. Planting and serving plants like Peepal (sacred fig), Neem (Indian lilac), Amla (Indian gooseberry) is meritorious. It is considered religiously fruitful as well as protecting nature and the environment.
