Thai Amavasai 2025: Date, Time, Rituals, Significance and more

Thai Amavasai, a significant day in the Tamil Hindu calendar, will be observed on Wednesday, January 29, 2025. This day marks the new moon in the Tamil month of Thai and holds great spiritual importance for devotees, especially in Tamil Nadu and among Tamil communities worldwide.

What is Thai Amavasai?

Thai Amavasai is the new moon day that falls during the Tamil month of Thai, which usually spans from mid-January to mid-February. It is a time of spiritual renewal and is considered an auspicious day for paying homage to ancestors, particularly through rituals that seek to bring peace and blessings to their souls.

Thai Amavasai: Significance

Thai Amavasai is a day that holds deep significance in Hinduism, particularly for those honoring their ancestors. It is believed that on this day, the souls of ancestors are particularly receptive to offerings and prayers, making it an ideal time for Tarpan (ritual offerings to deceased relatives) and other acts of remembrance. Devotees believe that performing these rituals ensures the well-being and spiritual upliftment of both the living and the departed.

This day also marks a time for purification, reflection, and making spiritual resolutions. It is a chance for devotees to cleanse themselves of negativity and seek blessings for a prosperous year ahead.

Thai Amavasai: Rituals

• Tarpan for ancestors: Devotees perform the Tarpan ritual by offering water, sesame seeds, and other items to the ancestors, seeking their blessings and peace for their souls.


• Take a holy bath: A dip in sacred rivers, especially in temples or holy water bodies, is a common practice to purify the body and soul.


• Prayers and offerings: Devotees visit temples to pray, offer flowers, light lamps, and seek blessings for their family and the departed souls.


• Fasting: Many observe fasting on this day, focusing on spiritual growth and engaging in prayers and meditation.


• Charity and helping the poor: Donating food, clothes, or money to the needy is seen as an essential part of the rituals to gain merit and goodwill.

Thai Amavasai holds special significance in Tamil culture, especially as a time for honoring family traditions and remembering the deceased. The rituals performed are thought to benefit the souls of ancestors, bringing peace and harmony to families. This day is seen as an important occasion to strengthen the connection with ancestors and seek blessings for the prosperity of one’s family and lineage.