When is the First Shani Amavasya of the Year? 5 Auspicious Conjunctions Will Form—Know the Date, Muhurat, and Significance..
Shani Amavasya 2026 Date: Shani Amavasya refers to the New Moon (Amavasya) that falls on a Saturday. It is also known as Shanishchari Amavasya. The first Shani Amavasya of the year will occur during the month of Jyeshtha. On this Shani Amavasya, five auspicious alignments are taking place. Observing a fast and worshipping Lord Shani (Saturn) on this day is believed to grant liberation from suffering. Individuals whose zodiac signs are currently under the influence of Shani's *Sade Sati* or *Dhaiyya* must perform ritual bathing, charity, fasting, and worship on Shani Amavasya. The occurrence of Shani Amavasya is a rare event, taking place only once or twice a year. Let us find out: When is the first Shani Amavasya of the year? What are the auspicious timings (*Muhurat*) and favorable alignments associated with it?
**Shani Amavasya 2026 Date**
According to the Vedic Almanac (*Panchang*), the Amavasya Tithi (New Moon phase) of the *Krishna Paksha* (waning phase of the moon) in the month of Jyeshtha begins on May 16th at 5:11 AM and will continue until 1:30 AM on May 17th. Consequently, based on the *Udayatithi* (the Tithi prevailing at sunrise), the first Shani Amavasya of the year falls on Saturday, May 16th.
**Shani Amavasya Amidst 5 Auspicious Alignments**
Five auspicious alignments are converging on this first Shani Amavasya of the year, making this day even more spiritually meritorious and fruitful.
The most significant alignment is that Shani Jayanti (the birth anniversary of Lord Shani) coincides with the very day of Shani Amavasya.
This Shani Amavasya falls on the New Moon day of the month of Jyeshtha. This day also marks *Darsha Amavasya*.
The *Saubhagya Yoga* (Yoga of Good Fortune) prevails on Shani Amavasya, commencing at dawn and lasting until 10:26 AM. This specific *Yoga* is believed to enhance one's good fortune.
Following this, from 10:26 AM onwards on Shani Amavasya, the *Shobhana Yoga* will commence and continue throughout the night. This is a highly auspicious *Yoga* during which one may undertake propitious activities.
**Shani Amavasya 2026 Muhurat (Auspicious Timings)**
The time of sunrise on Shani Amavasya is 5:30 AM. On that day, the *Brahma Muhurat* will span from 4:07 AM to 4:48 AM, while the *Abhijit Muhurat* will occur during the day, from 11:50 AM to 12:45 PM. In the morning, after completing your bath and daily ablutions, you should worship Lord Shani. Tend to the *Shami* tree and offer water to the *Peepal* tree. The most auspicious and excellent time for worshipping Lord Shani on this day is from 7:19 AM to 8:59 AM.
**The Significance of Shani Amavasya**
On the day of Shani Amavasya, individuals strive to please Lord Shani through fasting, worship, scriptural recitation, ritual bathing, and acts of charity. On this day, one also performs rituals such as *Tarpan*, *Pind Daan*, and *Shraddh* for one's ancestors. Performing these rites helps in attaining liberation from *Pitru Dosha* (ancestral afflictions). This year, a rare and auspicious conjunction of Shani Amavasya and Shani Jayanti has occurred. One should not let this opportunity slip away. To protect oneself from the afflictions and adverse effects of Saturn, one may undertake specific astrological remedies. Pleased by your devotion on the occasion of his birthday, Lord Shani may bestow his blessings and ensure your well-being.