Somvati Amavasya of Chaitra Month 2024: Insights into Rituals, Date, Time, Significance, and Puja Vidhi

In Hinduism, the observance of Amavasya holds immense significance. Particularly, the Amavasya of the Chaitra month carries its own distinct importance. This year, Chaitra Amavasya falls on a Monday, hence it is referred to as Somvati Amavasya. On this day, women observe fasting and perform puja rituals dedicated to Lord Shiva. Alongside the puja, the significance of ritualistic bathing (snan) and charity (daan) is emphasized.     

Date and Time of Somvati Amavasya 2024

Chaitra Amavasya is scheduled for April 8, 2024, falling on a Monday. The auspicious timing for Amavasya begins at 3:11 am and concludes at 11:50 pm on the same day. Therefore, according to the lunar calendar, Chaitra Amavasya will be observed on April 8th. The auspicious timing for bathing (snan) on this day is from 4:32 am to 5:18 am.

The Significance of Somvati Amavasya

In Vedic astrology, Amavasya holds immense auspiciousness and power. This day is entirely dedicated to the worship of Lord Chandra (the Moon). Especially for individuals with a weak Moon placement in their birth charts, Chaitra Amavasya is considered highly beneficial. Offering prayers to the Moon and performing rituals lead to the attainment of auspicious outcomes.

In Hinduism, the observance of Amavasya holds immense significance. Particularl

Chaitra Amavasya coincides with a solar eclipse, although it won’t be visible in India. Hence, the negative effects associated with solar eclipses won’t be applicable in India. This occurrence of a solar eclipse on Chaitra Amavasya is a rare event.

Puja Rituals on Somvati Amavasya

• Wake up early in the morning on the day of Chaitra Amavasya and begin your day with a holy bath.
• Put on clean attire and prepare yourself mentally for the puja rituals.
• Particularly for women, the focus is on performing rituals dedicated to the Banyan tree (Vat Vriksha).
• Commence the ritual by offering water to the Banyan tree as a form of purification and reverence.
• Follow up by offering flowers, bilva leaves, and sandalwood paste to the tree, symbolizing devotion and auspiciousness.
• Light a lamp in front of the Banyan tree and perform aarti, invoking the divine blessings.
• As a symbolic gesture of devotion, tie a raw cotton thread around the tree while circumambulating it 108 times.
• Each circumambulation signifies a prayer or affirmation, enhancing the spiritual connection with the divine.

Why Women Worship the Banyan Tree?

According to scriptures, worshipping the Banyan tree on Amavasya, especially on Mondays, safeguards the well-being of women and ensures prosperity. It is believed that those who perform this ritual attain happiness and abundance.                 

Importance of Charity on Somvati Amavasya

Alongside ritualistic bathing, charity holds immense importance on Chaitra Amavasya. It is considered highly virtuous to donate to Brahmins and help the needy and destitute. Charity is emphasized as it contributes significantly to one’s spiritual growth and well-being. As Goswami Tulsidas wrote in Ramcharitmanas, “In the age of Kali, charity stands as the foremost of all principles.”

Food Donation: Provide nourishing food to the underprivileged, as it is considered a potent way to invoke the blessings of Lord Vishnu. 

Clothes and Education: Contribute clothes and educational materials to impoverished children, emphasizing the importance of access to education. Additionally, consider pledging support for the education of underprivileged children on this auspicious day.        

Contributing to Charity Projects on Somvati Amavasya

Participate in charity initiatives such as providing meals, donating clothes, and supporting educational programs run by organizations like Narayan Seva Sansthan. By contributing to such noble causes, you become a part of the virtuous cycle of giving and receive blessings for your altruistic actions.

In conclusion, Chaitra Amavasya 2024 presents a sacred opportunity to engage in rituals, perform puja, and engage in charitable activities. By observing these practices with devotion and sincerity, one can invoke auspiciousness, spiritual growth, and blessings from the divine. Let us embrace the significance of this auspicious day and contribute to the well-being of society and individuals in need.