Shani Amavasya 2026, Donations on Shani Amavasya
Shani Amavasya is a spiritually powerful day in Hindu tradition when New Moon (Amavasya) coincides with Saturday (Shanivar)—the day dedicated to Lord Shani (Saturn). This rare alignment is considered highly auspicious for performing remedies, pujas, vrat (fasting), and charity (daan) to reduce the malefic effects of Saturn and invite peace, prosperity, and karmic balance into one’s life.
Shani Amavasya 2026 Date & Timing
In 2026, the main Shani Amavasya (Saturday Amavasya) occurs on:
-
📌 Date: Saturday, 16 May 2026
-
⏰ Amavasya Tithi Begins: ~05:11 AM, 16 May 2026
-
⏰ Amavasya Tithi Ends: ~01:30 AM, 17 May 2026 💫
Because this Amavasya falls on Saturday, it is celebrated and observed as Shani Amavasya—a special occasion to honor Lord Shani Dev, the karmic judge of the planets.
Note: There may also be another Saturday Amavasya later in the year (e.g., 10 October 2026) depending on the calendar.
Why Shani Amavasya Is Important
Shani Amavasya is deeply rooted in Vedic astrology and spiritual beliefs:
📌 1. Appease Shani Dev
Lord Shani is the planetary judge of karma. Worshipping Him on this day is believed to reduce the ill effects of Saturn-related influences such as:
-
Sade Sati
-
Dhaiya
-
Shani Dosha
-
Delays in life, obstacles, and hardships
📌 2. Karmic Cleansing
Amavasya itself is a powerful day for:
-
Removing past-life sins
-
Reducing karmic burdens
-
Seeking ancestral peace (Pitru Shanti)
📌 3. Peace, Prosperity & Balance
Devotees believe that proper rituals and charity on Shani Amavasya help attract happiness, success, and inner peace.
How to Observe Shani Amavasya
Here are key rituals and practices for devotees:
🛕 1. Shani Puja & Mantra
-
Visit a Shani temple
-
Offer mustard oil, black til (sesame seeds), urd dal, and iron items
-
Chant “ॐ शं शनैश्चराय नमः” or Shani mantra 108 times with devotion.
🪔 2. Fasting (Vrat)
-
Observe a fast on Shani Amavasya from sunrise to next day before sunrise
-
Drink only water or light sattvic fare if needed for health
💧 3. Holy Bath
-
Take a holy dip in sacred rivers early in the morning to purify the body and mind
🤝 Best Donations on Shani Amavasya
Charity brings immense spiritual merit on this day. Recommended donation options include:
🟤 1. Black Sesame (Til) & Mustard Oil
Donating sesame seeds and mustard oil helps reduce the negative effects of Saturn and bring positivity into your life.
🖤 2. Food & Essentials
-
Donate food grains, cooked meals
-
Feed the needy, elderly, and underprivileged
🧤 3. Warm Clothes & Blankets
Saturday and Amavasya together signify compassion—providing warmth to those in need adds to your punya (spiritual merit).
🤲 4. Monetary Daan
Give money to trusted charities and temples for Shani Puja, annadaan, and community support.
🪔 5. Oil Lamps Under Peepal Tree
Light a mustard oil lamp under a Peepal tree during Shani Amavasya to invite blessings and reduce obstacles.
📿 Shani Amavasya Ritual Timings
These timings are approximate and can vary by location:
-
Morning: Sunrise – Ideal for bathing & puja
-
Daytime: Auspicious for mantra chanting
-
Evening: Light lamps and offer donations
For exact timings based on your city, always refer to local Panchang or astrologer.
📌 Summary of Key Beliefs
| Aspect | Importance |
|---|---|
| Day | New Moon + Saturday = Shani Amavasya |
| Focus | Worshipping Shani Dev & reducing karmic troubles |
| Rituals | Fasting, puja, mantra chanting |
| Charity | Sesame seeds, oil, food, warm clothes, money |
| Outcome | Reduced obstacles & improved life balance |
Conclusion
Shani Amavasya 2026 (16 May 2026) is a spiritually powerful and karmically significant day when dedicated worship, fasting, and donations can open doors to peace, prosperity, and relief from planetary and karmic adversity. By performing puja rituals, offering daan, and invoking Lord Shani’s blessing with devotion, many devotees seek balance, success, and inner harmony in life.
