Year's last Somvati Amavasya falls on November 9: puja rituals and the story of Sona dhobin

The last Somvati Amavasya of 2026 falls on Monday, November 9. The day is considered very sacred and special in Hinduism.

According to the Hindu almanac, when the Amavasya tithi falls on a Monday, it is called Somvati Amavasya. Monday is the day of Lord Shankar, and Amavasya is considered the day of ancestors. For this reason, the day brings a rare and auspicious occasion to worship Shiva, Goddess Parvati and ancestors. The Amavasya falls only once or twice a year, which adds to its religious importance.

A well-known tale linked to Somvati Amavasya is that of Sona, a washerwoman. A poor Brahmin's daughter was unable to get married. A sage told the girl that if she received the blessing of a washerwoman named Sona in a nearby village, she would be able to marry.

The girl went to Sona's house and began serving her selflessly without revealing her identity. When Sona learnt of this, she was pleased and blessed the girl with akhand saubhagya, an unbroken married life.

By coincidence, it was Somvati Amavasya that day. Sona gave part of her merit to the girl, which saved the life of Sona's husband, and the Brahmin's daughter was married with great pomp. Since then, married women observe this fast for the long life of their husbands and for unbroken marital good fortune.

It is believed that worshipping Shiva on Somvati Amavasya removes the moon-related doshas in a horoscope and brings happiness and prosperity. The prescribed method is to rise early, bathe and, if possible, add a little Gangajal to the water. Then, at a Shiva temple or on a Shivling at home, offer raw milk, curd, honey and Gangajal and perform the abhishek while chanting the "Om Namah Shivaya" mantra.

Bel leaves, white flowers, dhatura, akshat (whole rice grains) and a sandalwood tilak are offered to Shiva. On this day, Goddess Parvati is also to be worshipped along with Shiva. Married women should offer Parvati turmeric, kumkum and items of suhag. At the end of the puja, recite the Shiva Chalisa, light incense and a lamp, and perform the aarti of Mahadev.

The peepal tree is also worshipped on this day, a rite known as Ashwatha puja. It is believed that on Somvati Amavasya the Trimurti, Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh, reside in the peepal. The tradition is to offer milk and water to the tree and circle it 108 times with a raw cotton thread.

The day is also considered good for freeing oneself of pitru dosha. Offer tarpan in the names of ancestors and donate grain, clothes or sesame seeds to the needy.