Hariyali Amavasya,
also known as Sawan Amavasya or Shravan Amavasya, is a
significant Hindu observance celebrated on the new moon day (Amavasya)
in the month of Shravan (Sawan). This year, Hariyali Amavasya 2026
falls on Wednesday, August 12. The festival marks the onset of the
monsoon season, when nature flourishes with greenery, symbolizing prosperity
and renewal.
Key Dates
- Hariyali Amavasya 2026:
August 12, Wednesday
- Shravan Shivratri:
August 11, Tuesday (Chaturdashi Tithi)
- Hariyali Teej:
August 15, Saturday (Shukla Paksha Tritiya)
Rituals and Traditions
- Pitru Puja:
Devotees wake up early, bathe, and perform ancestral rites (Pitru Tarpan)
to honor forefathers. Offerings are made to Brahmins for peace of departed
souls.
- Shiva Puja:
Lord Shiva is worshipped with Vedic mantras, bhajans, and special darshan
in temples. Devotees seek blessings for good rains, wealth, and
prosperity.
- Fasting:
In some regions, devotees observe a fast, consuming only one meal after
completing puja rituals.
- Tree Worship:
Peepal tree and other sacred trees are worshipped, symbolizing reverence
for nature. Planting saplings on this day is considered highly auspicious.
- Fairs and Celebrations:
Grand fairs are organized, especially in Udaipur (Rajasthan),
lasting three days with food, festivities, and collective prayers by women
for their husbands’ welfare.
Regional Names
Hariyali Amavasya is
celebrated across India with different names:
- Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal
Pradesh – Hariyali Amavasya
- Maharashtra
– Gatari Amavasya
- Andhra Pradesh
– Chukkala Amavasya
- Odisha
– Chitalagi Amavasya
Despite regional
variations, the spirit of devotion and celebration remains the same.
Significance
- Marks the beginning of the monsoon
season, crucial for agriculture and prosperity.
- Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the
presiding deity of Shravan month.
- Performing Pitru Tarpan and Daan
Punya on this day is believed to yield immense spiritual merit.
- Symbolizes harmony with nature, as
greenery (hariyali) is celebrated through rituals, fairs, and tree
worship.
Final Note
Hariyali Amavasya 2026 is not just a religious observance but also a celebration of nature’s bounty. With rituals dedicated to ancestors, worship of Lord Shiva, and vibrant fairs, the festival embodies devotion, prosperity, and ecological reverence.