Somvati Amavasya 2026 draws massive pilgrimages as rare celestial conjunction occurs in India
On 15 June 2026 a rare religious coincidence known as Somvati Amavasya took place. The new‑moon fell on a Monday, marked the last day of the Jyestha adhikamas and coincided with the Sun’s entry into Gemini (Mithun Sankranti). Such a conjunction was last seen in 1630, 396 years earlier, and will not recur for another 301 years.
In the holy city of Ujjain, thousands of devotees gathered at the Shipra River ghats – Ram Ghat, Datt Akhara Ghat and Somkund – for early‑morning bathing, puja and charitable offerings. Police and municipal authorities deployed crowd‑control measures, medical aid and sanitation facilities to manage the influx.
Across India, followers performed customary rites: worship of Shiva, Pitru‑tarpan, Peepal‑tree (pipul) rituals, night‑time prayers, and donations of food, clothing and grains. Articles also described specific night remedies, a Vrat Katha story about a washerwoman named Sona, and recommendations for safe conduct during the observance.