Mauni Amavasya 2025: Date, Time, & Traditional Foods

On January 29, 2025, Hindus will observe Mauni Amavasya, a day considered auspicious to honour forefathers and ancestors. According to the traditional calendar followed by the community, the day falls in the Magh month and is believed to be the time when the water from the Ganga River turns into nectar. Following its importance, many devotees across North India will bathe in the holy water, especially in Maha Kumbh 2025.

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Since the day is special, people will also prepare traditional foods. There are no celebrations among Hindus that are without delicacies. If you will be honouring your ancestors on this sacred day, you must do it the right way.

Mauni Amavasya 2025: Date And Time

The celebrations of Mauni Amavasya will begin on Wednesday, January 29, 2025. The tithi will begin on January 28, 2025, at 7:35 pm and culminate on January 29, 2025, at 6:05 pm. Many people have already embarked on a pilgrimage to bathe in the Ganga River.

Some are headed to Maha Kumbh Mela while others are embarking on a pilgrimage to Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Varanasi. People believe that bathing in the Ganga will purify their souls of all their sins. Devotees feel their spiritual connection strengthening.

Mauni Amavasya Significance

As mentioned before, Mauni Amavasya holds a special significance for Hindus honouring their ancestors. It is also the day when devotees stay silent and refrain from saying anything in pursuit of a deep connection with God.

If you visit Ganga ghats across India, you will also observe people meditating on this day to purify their mind, mouths, and souls. Apart from bathing in the Ganga River and staying silent, people also offer prayers, fast, perform sacred rituals at temples, and donate money, food, or clothes to the needy.

Mauni Amavasya Traditional Food

Fried Potatoes

Fried potatoes are among the top choices for people who fast on Mauni Amavasya. Boiled potatoes are sauteed in ghee with a sprinkle of sendha namak and black pepper. Some devotees simply fry potatoes on a medium flame in desi ghee. They top it with sendha namak and black pepper later.

Samak Rice

Hindus consider samak rice appropriate for consumption while fasting. Also referred to as barnyard millet, you can use the grain to make fibre-rich and gluten-free pulao. Not to mention that the dish is fulfilling and a perfect solution to hunger pangs after fasting throughout the day.

Sattvic Dishes

Pilgrims prefer to eat sattvic dishes prepared in light amounts of oil and harsh spices. The vegetables are also lightly cooked and served with ghee. Processed food and tamasic items like meat, garlic, and onion are not a part of the meal. Fried dishes are also eliminated from sattvic meals.

Fruits

While fasting during Mauni Amavasya, you can also eat fruits. They are rich in nutrients, and fibre, and boost your energy levels. They can also help you curb cravings while you abstain from eating on this auspicious day. You can include seasonal fruits like bananas, mangoes, grapes and more.

Dairy Products

Dairy products are also a part of meals prepared during the observance of Mauni Amavasya. People consume buttermilk, curd, lassi, sweetened milk, and milk-based sweets. These items are not only good for health but also lightweight to digest.