Aadi Amavasai is on 18 July 2012 (Saturday). Amavaasai Tharpanam, oblation to forefathers is done on this day

Time: Amavasai Thithi begins at 9.42 am on 18th July (Saturday) and ends at 10.24 am on 19th July (Sunday).

Importance:
Generally on all amavasai people offer tharpanam (oblation) to their ancestors. Aadi Amavasai is special as it is the first amavasai in Dakshinayanam (Sun's Southward Journey).

During Aadi Amavasai people gather at holy thirthas especially at Rameshwaram, take holy dip, offer their respect to their forefathers through Pithir Tharpanam and do Annadhanam

Many people fast on this day by taking just one meal. Observing Fast is believed to bring lot of 'Punya'.

Deepasthamba Puja, also known as Deepasthambha Amavasya Pooja (Kendan Pooja), is an important observance undertaken by womens' in Madwa. This year Deepasthambha Puja 2011 falling on 30th of July. It is observed on the no moon day (Amavasya) in the Kannada month of Ashada (July August) and is a unique Madwa ritual. On the day women pray for the well being of male members in the family husbands and brothers. The ritual is also known as Bheemana amavasya vratha

Deepasthambha Puja is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Married women perform it for the long life of husbands and brothers. Unmarried women for getting a good husband.

A pair of lamps made by women on the day using mud(Semman) known as Kalikamba represents Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. on the day Special pujas are done on the auspicious day to Please them. Thambittu Deepa or Thembittu lamp made from flour is made on the occasion and lit to cool all bad emotions like anger, frustration etc. It is these lamps t ...more