Thai Amavasai
Also called: Thai Amavasya
Thai Amavasai is the first Amavasya of Uttarayana in the Tamil calendar, falling in the month of Thai, which begins at Makara Sankranti. Celebrated shortly after Pongal, it honors ancestors with gratitude as the sun begins its northern journey, bringing renewal of life and agricultural bounty.
Key facts
- Paksha
- Krishna Paksha
- Lunar month
- Thai (Tamil solar month, mid-January to mid-February)
- Deities
- Departed Ancestors (Pitrus), Surya Dev, Lord Shiva
The story
Temple traditions celebrate Uttarayana as the dawn of the celestial day. Offering tarpanam at this turning point assists souls in their onward spiritual evolution.
Practices
- Bathing in holy rivers, seas, or temple tanks early in the morning
- Performing tarpanam with black sesame, raw rice, and kusha grass
- Feeding poor people and offering green grass to cows (Go Puja)
Regional variations
- Mass gatherings at Rameswaram, Thila Tharpanapuri near Tiruvarur, Bhavani Kooduthurai, and the Cauvery banks
Common questions
- How is Thai Amavasai related to Uttarayana?
- It is the inaugural Amavasya of the Sun's northern course (Uttarayana), symbolizing renewal, clarity, and ancestral elevation.
Types of Amavasya
- Somvati AmavasyaMonday (Somwar) coinciding with Amavasya
- Bhaumvati AmavasyaTuesday (Mangalwar) coinciding with Amavasya
- Shani AmavasyaSaturday (Shaniwar) coinciding with Amavasya
- Mauni AmavasyaMagha (Purnimanta); Pausha (Amanta)
- Hariyali AmavasyaShravana (Purnimanta); Ashadha (Amanta)
- Mahalaya AmavasyaBhadrapada (Amanta); Ashwin (Purnimanta)
- Kartik AmavasyaKartik (Purnimanta); Ashwin (Amanta)
- Darsha AmavasyaOccurs whenever the moon is completely invisible during the tithi
- Aadi AmavasaiAadi (Tamil solar month, mid-July to mid-August)
- Thai AmavasaiThai (Tamil solar month, mid-January to mid-February)