Lunar Calendar

Questions answered

What is Amavasya in English?

Amavasya in English means new-moon day, dark-moon day, or the lunar date of the new moon in the Hindu calendar.

Is Amavasya the same as the new Moon?

It is closely connected with the astronomical new Moon, but Amavasya is also a Hindu calendar tithi used in cultural and religious timing.

Is Amavasya good or bad?

It depends on the tradition and the specific Amavasya. Some observances are solemn, while others connect with major festivals such as Diwali.

Why is the Moon not visible on Amavasya?

At the new Moon, the Moon is near the Sun from Earth and the side facing Earth is mostly unlit, so it is usually hidden by daylight.

Does Amavasya mean there is an eclipse?

No. Solar eclipses can happen only near new Moon, but most Amavasya dates are not eclipses because the Moon orbit is tilted.