Shani Amavasya 2023: Why Mauni Amavasya is also called as Shani Amavasya? 5 things to do on this auspicious day

Shani Amavasya 2023: According to the Hindu calendar, people observe Mauni (silence) Amavasya throughout India today, January 21. This is the first Amavasya (New Moon) of the year 2023. 

As the name suggests, it is also the day of silence in Hinduism. On this day, people with the Hindu faith take a pledge to keep a vow of silence (Maun Vrat) throughout the day.

For the first time in 20 years, Mauni Amavasya has fallen on Saturday. When an Amavasya falls on a Saturday, it is called Shanishchari Amavasya or Shani Amavasya. 

Mauni Amavasya 2023: Date and Time
Amavasya Tithi Begins - 06:17 AM on Jan 21, 2023
Amavasya Tithi Ends - 02:22 AM on Jan 22, 2023

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Mauni Amavasya 2023 - Beliefs
According to the Drikpanchang, it is believed that the water of the most sacred and holy river in Hinduism -- the Ganga -- turns into nectar on Mauni Amavasya. However, people take dip in the Ganges on this day, as per Hindu traditions.

5 things to do on Mauni Amavasya 2023
- Amavasya Tithi is considered dedicated to the ancestors. So on this day Shradh, Tarpan, Pinddaan, worship, donation, etc must be performed for ancestors.

- Ganga bath has special significance on Mauni Amavasya. However, it is impossible for many to go to the river Ganges for a bath. In such a situation, people take a bath by mixing Gangajal in bathing water.

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- Mauni Amavasya and (Shainvar) Saturday have coincided after many decades. On such a special day, worshipping Shani Dev is considered auspicious. People keep mustard oil lamps under the Peepal (banyan) tree.

- There is special importance in being silent on Mauni Amavasya. However, it is difficult for people to remain silent for the whole day amid a busy day. The alternative is to remain silent at least till the time of bath and donation and advised to chant the Almighty's name in mind during silence.

- Worshiping the Peepal tree on Amavasya day is also considered auspicious. People offer some milk mixed sugar also called mishri in Hindi to the Peepal tree.