On January 29, 2025, Hindus worldwide are celebrating and observing Mauni Amavasya. It is one of the most important days of the year and falls on the no-moon day in the month of Magha, which is January-February according to the English calendar.
And as this year Amrit Snan in Mahakumbh is also being observed on Mauni Amavasya, the spiritual and divine energies of the day have amplified.
Mauni Amavasya date and timings
In 2025, Mauni Amawasya is being celebrated on January 29.
According to Drik Panchang, “Mauni Amavasya on Wednesday, January 29, 2025
Amavasya Tithi Begins – 07:35 PM on Jan 28, 2025
Amavasya Tithi Ends – 06:05 PM on Jan 29, 2025”
Even though the Amawasya timings began on January 28, as the timings were post-sunrise and post-the 12 noon mark, it is being observed today.
Mauni Amavasya significance
Mauni Amawasya is popularly regarded as a day of quiet, peace, and inner meditation. The word ‘Mauni’ is said to come from ‘Maun’ which means being silent, and thus great gurus, saints, sages, and ascetics prefer staying in complete silence on this day and connecting with their inner energies.
To stay quiet, one has to channel all their spiritual discipline and self-control, and it allows people to look within, be at peace with the silence inside and around them, and move ahead with a clear goal in mind.
According to many beliefs and legends, this is also the day when Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati are filled with ‘Amrit’ the divine nectar that was dropped during the Samudra Manthan, and thus taking a dip in the holy rivers on this day can cleanse people’s sins and give them a new stage and persona in life.
Devotees believe that ritual bathing in one of these holy rivers on Mauni Amavasya day will grant them divine blessings and happiness in life.
Mauni Amavasya and Kumbh mela
The world is witnessing the grand Mahakumbh in India right now and the streets of Prayagraj are filled with people of different classes, religions, ethnicities, and even countries. People are coming to India from all over the world to witness the grand Mahakumbh and experience the love and spiritual energies in Prayagraj. Some foreigners and Indians are also observing the ‘Kalpavas’, which means staying in the Mahakumbh for the entire period and taking a holy dip every day along with pujas, rituals, and more.
And to put a cherry on top of the cake, the 3rd Amrit Snan, also known as Shahi Snan, of Mahakumbh 2025 is on Mauni Amavasya. And so even today millions of saints, ascetics, and devotees are at the confluence of the three rivers to take a dip in the holy waters.
Unfortunately though, as the crowds flock to Prayagraj for the Shani Snan of Mauni Amavasya, the region has also experienced a stampede and some people are feared to be injured.
The importance of Amrit snan on Mauni Amavasya
Shahi snan, or Amrit snan, has six most important dates in Mahakumbh 2025. It began with the start of Mahakumbh and will end on February 26, the last day of Mahakumbh, and the day of Mahashivratri.
It is said that when a devotee does Amrit snan on one of the important days, be it Mauni Amawasya or Basant Panchami, he or she can remove all their past sins and negative karma and start their life afresh. It is also believed that when devotees keep a fast on Mauni Amavasya and combine it with the Amrit Snan in Kumbh mela, they take a step forward in attaining liberation from the cycle of life and death and ultimately attain Moksha.
It is also said that bathing in Triveni Sangam on this day invokes the blessings of Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and other deities.
Rituals of Mauni Amavasya
Even if you cannot take a dip in the Triveni Sangam on this day, there are other rituals observed on the day of Mauni Amavasya.
Some people, for example, observe a silent fast all day, keeping a ‘Maun’ and spending their day in meditation. It is believed that silence is the highest form of self-discipline, and a person who can control their voice and internal chatter has achieved self-awareness.
Many people also observe a strict fast on Mauni Amavasya, and keep a Nirjala vrat (no food or water) to prove their dedication and their control on self. But there are many who prefer a water or liquid-only fast and eat Sattvik food after sunset, post-completion of their prayers.
Why observe Mauni Amavasya?
One of the simplest reasons why one should keep a fast or observe Mauni Amavasya is that it helps cleanse the mind and soul and gives a sense of silence and inner calm. The detox from food gives a reset to the gut and body, and the silence of speech helps clear the mental chatter from the mind.
In fact, many devotees say that observing complete silence and meditation on this day helps them be more calm and peaceful for the days to come.
