Somvati Amavasya 2026

Puja Vidhi

Who Should Do This Vrat?

• Married Women: Married women observe this vrat and circumambulate the Peepal tree for the long life and good health of their husbands and for the wellbeing of their families (Akhand Saubhagya).
• Women Desiring Children: Women who wish for children also keep this fast to seek blessings of Lord Shiva and Mata Parvati.
• Devotees Honouring Ancestors: Families who offer prayers and charity for their ancestors (Pitru) on this day seek peace for the departed souls.

When Should This Be Performed?

• Holy Bath: Taken early in the morning, during Brahma Muhurta (the pre-dawn hour), in a river or at home with a few drops of Ganga Jal in the water.
• Puja Muhurat: The Peepal puja and the worship of Lord Shiva are done in the morning, after sunrise. Check the puja muhurat for your city on this page.
• Charity and Pitru Prayers: Offerings for ancestors and charity are made later in the day, before the fast is broken.

About the Festival

Somvati Amavasya is a deeply revered observance across India, in which women worship the Peepal tree and Lord Shiva for the long life and wellbeing of their husbands and families. It is the Amavasya (new moon day) of the month dedicated to ancestors and charity, and is considered one of the most auspicious Amavasyas of the year.

The Vrat Katha (Story of Somvati Amavasya)

Once upon a time, there lived a poor Brahmin couple with a beautiful, virtuous daughter named Gunavati. Though she was well-mannered, a suitable match could not be found for her, and her parents were deeply worried.

One day, a wise sage visited their home and read the girl's palm. He said that her marriage line carried a flaw, and that she would be widowed early. The family begged for a remedy, and the sage advised: "If she serves Sona, the washerwoman who lives on an island across the sea, and receives the Sindoor from her forehead, the flaw will be removed."

Gunavati travelled to the island, and served the household of the washerwoman with great humility, for a long time. Pleased with the girl's service, Sona applied Sindoor to her forehead. Gunavati's fate was then changed, and her husband was blessed with a long life. The Brahmin girl then offered water to the Peepal tree and circumambulated it with devotion, and her household was blessed with peace and prosperity. Since that day, women observe Somvati Amavasya, worship the Peepal tree, and pray for the long life of their husbands.

Samagri List (Items Needed)

Gather these items before starting the morning puja:

• Image / Idol: Picture or idol of Lord Shiva and Mata Parvati, along with Lord Vishnu if available
• Tilak & Sacred Powder: Roli, Kumkum, Haldi, and Akshat (unbroken rice grains)
• Lamps & Lights: A brass or clay Diya with Ghee and cotton wick, and Incense sticks
• Sacred Water Container: A Lota or Kalash filled with fresh water, with Ganga Jal if available
• Food Offerings (Naivedya): Fruits, sweets, milk, and 108 small items such as fruits, flowers, or dry fruits for the Peepal parikrama
• Devotional Accessories: Flowers, Bel Patra, Tulsi leaves, and sacred thread (kalava)

Puja Vidhi (Step-by-Step Guide)

Follow these step-by-step instructions carefully to perform the ritual correctly:

Step 1: Morning Preparation and Sankalp

1. Wake up early during Brahma Muhurta, bathe in a holy river or at home with Ganga Jal, and wear clean, auspicious clothes (preferably red, yellow, or pink; avoid wearing black).
2. Take a small amount of water in your right palm and take a Sankalp (solemn vow): "O Lord Shiva and Divine Mother Parvati, today I observe this Somvati Amavasya vrat with pure devotion for the long life of my family. Grant me strength to complete this vow."
3. Observe the fast throughout the day, taking only fruits and water if needed (families differ in how strictly the fast is kept).

Step 2: Preparing the Puja Altar (Morning)

1. Clean the northeastern corner (Ishan Kone) or the place of worship in your home.
2. Place the picture or idol of Lord Shiva and Mata Parvati on a Chowki covered with a clean cloth.
3. Keep the Kalash filled with water, flowers, Bel Patra, and the offerings ready within reach.

Step 3: Performing the Shiva Puja

1. Lighting the Lamp: Light a Ghee Diya and incense before the deities.
2. Applying Tilak: Apply Roli, Kumkum, and Akshat to the image of Lord Shiva and Mata Parvati.
3. Offering Bel Patra & Flowers: Offer Bel Patra and fresh flowers, and pour water or milk over the Shivling if you have one.
4. Offering Naivedya: Place fruits and sweets before the deities.

Step 4: Peepal Puja and Parikrama

1. Go to a Peepal tree, offer water at its base, and apply Roli, Akshat, and Haldi.
2. Tie a Kalava (sacred thread) around the tree trunk while walking around it, and complete 108 parikramas (circumambulations) with 108 small items, placing one at the base after each round (families may also do fewer rounds).
3. Recite or listen to the Somvati Amavasya Vrat Katha with deep focus and devotion, and sprinkle a few grains of rice at the base of the tree.

Step 5: Prayers for the Ancestors and Charity

1. Offer water mixed with black sesame (Til) to the ancestors (Pitru Tarpan) while remembering them with respect.
2. Perform the Shiva Aarti using the lit Ghee lamp while singing devotional hymns.
3. Donate food, clothes, or grains to Brahmins or those in need.

Step 6: Seeking Blessings and Breaking the Fast

1. Touch the feet of the elders in your family to seek their blessings (Charan Sparsh).
2. Distribute the Prasad among your family members.
3. Break your fast by partaking in the Prasad and a simple sattvic meal.