Shani Amavasya

Saturday, April 30, 2022

Shani Amavasya will take place on Saturday, April 30, 2022. This is a rare and auspicious day in the Vedic calendar. It occurs when Amavasya tithi is in place at sunrise on a Saturday, which usually occurs only a few times every year. The Amavasya tithi is the day every month that leads up to the New Moon. It is the Moon’s darkest day and night of the lunar month, and is a very spiritual day which is ruled by the ancestors. This year the Amavasya tithi commences on Friday afternoon or evening, April 29, and will end at the New Moon/Partial Solar Eclipse later on Saturday, April 30.

Amavasya tithi and Saturday are both ruled by Lord Shani, otherwise known as Saturn. So when they occur on the same date, this is called Shani Amavasya. On Shani Amavasya, Hindu celebrants flock to temples to perform pujas and abhishekam to Shani Dev, Lord Saturn. Saturdays are always good days to worship Saturn, but this one is extra powerful and important. Shani Amavasya is a special day to honor one's ancestors (shradh or tarpan), and to make offerings and do mantras, pujas, and prayers to Lord Saturn. It is also a wonderful day to offer respect, service, and charity to the elderly and infirm, and to spend time in contemplation, and to commune with Mother Nature.

Aum, with loving reverence, I bow to Saturn

Who is the lord of time and keeper of karma.

Who gives self-discipline, self-reliance, endurance and lasting success.

Who protects longevity,

Homage to Lord Saturn!