Somvati Amavasya 2026: India observes sacred fasting day on June 15

India will observe Somvati Amavasya on Monday, 15 June 2026. The lunar‑solar alignment is regarded as highly auspicious, especially for worship of Lord Shiva. Devotees are advised to take a ritual bath between 4:03 am and 4:43 am, then perform puja with bilva (bael) leaves, offering 5‑leaf leaves with "Namah Shivaya" or 108 leaves with "Ram‑Ram" chants, and decorate the Shiva lingam with saffron and sandalwood.

Traditional recommendations include wearing yellow for health, white for knowledge, red for success and black to mitigate planetary afflictions. Worship of the peepal tree, lighting mustard‑oil lamps, circumambulating the tree seven times, and feeding animals such as cows, crows and ants are also prescribed. Recitation of "Om Pitṛbhyaḥ Namah" 108 times is said to pacify ancestors' spirits and the Rahu‑related dosha, bringing marital harmony, prosperity and relief from ailments. Charitable donations of food, clothing or money are encouraged, with the belief that such acts multiply merit on this day.