Mumbai: This year, Hariyali Amavasya, which coincides with Sawan Amavasya or Shravan Amavasya, will be celebrated on August 4th. This festival, traditionally considered an auspicious day for planting trees, aligns with the monsoon season, ensuring ample rainfall and lush greenery, making it an ideal time for such activities. According to the Vedic calendar, the Sawan Amavasya tithi begins at 3:50 PM on August 3rd and continues until 4:42 PM on August 4th. Since the tithi is present at sunrise on August 4th, it is the appropriate day to celebrate Hariyali Amavasya.
What to do on Hariyali Amavasya?
On this day, along with planting trees, offerings should be made to ancestors, as it is also Sawan Amavasya. Devotees are encouraged to plant sacred trees and perform tarpan (a ritual to honour ancestors) and donations after taking a bath in the morning. It is customary on Amavasya to perform Shraddha rituals for the ancestors, including incense meditation, tarpan, pindadan, and charity.
When to plant trees on Hariyali Amavasya?
This year, Hariyali Amavasya features the auspicious Ravi Pushya Yoga, lasting from 5:44 AM to 1:26 PM. Pushya Nakshatra on a Sunday forms this yoga, known for high yield, nourishment, care, prosperity, and good fortune. Any work done during this period, including planting trees, is said to bring positive results. Planting trees between 5:44 AM and 1:26 PM on Hariyali Amavasya can lead to happiness and prosperity and help mitigate planetary faults.
Lighting a diya for ancestors
As for lighting a diya for ancestors, it is recommended to do so during the Pradosh period on August 4th. Sunset will occur at 7:10 PM, and the lamp should be lit after it gets dark to honour the ancestors.
Auspicious activities to perform on Hariyali Amavasya
Start the day with Surya Puja. Wake up early, bathe, and offer water to the Sun God using a copper pot while chanting the mantra Om Suryaya Namah.
Light a lamp in front of Lord Hanuman and recite the Hanuman Chalisa and Sundarkand. You may also chant the name of Lord Ram.
Perform abhishek of Bal Gopal along with a cow idol. Offer butter and sugar along with Tulsi while chanting the mantra Om Krishnaya Namah.
Perform abhishek of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi by filling a southward-facing conch with saffron-mixed milk. Offer new red and yellow clothes, chant the mantra Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya and present sweets with Tulsi. Complete the ritual with Aarti.
Devotees should bathe in the sacred rivers at pilgrimage sites such as Haridwar, Gaya, Nasik and Ujjain. After bathing, perform water donation, tarpan, and pind dan for the ancestors at the riverbank. Additionally, they are encouraged to donate grain, food, money, shoes, clothes and umbrellas to the needy.
For Shiva devotees, the Amavasya of Sawan is especially significant. After performing Ganesh Puja, conduct Rudrabhishek of Lord Shiva. If Rudrabhishek is not possible, offer water and milk to the Shivalinga, apply sandalwood paste, and adorn it with Bilva leaves, Datura, garlands and Akra flowers. Offer auspicious items like Gulal and sacred threads to the Lord while chanting Om Namah Shivay. Complete the ritual by offering seasonal fruits, sweets or coconut and performing Aarti with incense and lamps.
Plant shade-giving trees like Neem, Banyan, Shami, Peepal, and Mango in temples or parks and vow to care for them.
This Hariyali Amavasya, let us embrace the rituals and traditions that honour both nature and our ancestors, fostering a sense of gratitude and reverence.
Celebrate Hariyali Amavasya 2024 with fervour! Learn about the auspicious date, time for planting trees, and performing daan. Uncover the significance and explore traditional rituals to make the most of this holy day. Spirituality Lifestyle News -Fashion Trends, Beauty Tips, Celebrity Party News, Relationship advice, Travel and Food Tips
