Namaste, Hari Om,
I came across this on HinduBlog, original link here,
http://www.hindu-blog.com/2008/02/significance-of-amavasya.html Also the content is below (All rights/words are from Hindu-Blog.com).
This is very important, many times we forget those who have passed and feel that they are no longer in our lives. Even if we have had a bad relationship, we still need to uphold our part and support them.
Healing ourselves by helping others is something that helps us in many ways.
Do not feel that this is some ancient or Hindu specific day, these things are very simple. The world is formed in energy, our prayers do help others, our wishes go a long way. Every scripture has details of this event, its just said in various ways.
Never forget your ancestors, those who have secured and passed on your beliefs and traits. Take some time to give back to your ancestors, whether its meditation to thank them, going to their burial site and offering flowers or even a simple thank you while browsing their photos goes a long way.
We are all interconnected in many dimensions, things we can explain and things we can not explain will always be there, faith guides us all.
Many have recalled dreams of having their ancestors visit them and offer guidance or messages, but it depends on the person, how they are willing to have these, and if the connection is there.
Knowledge is power. Fear can limit your mind and cause hatred. There are always two sides to the coin, always work under the guidance of someone who is qualified to be a guru. And as always, a good heart and positive intentions always win.
Jai Shri Ram
SimpleHinduBhai
Amavasya, or Amavasi, is the name of new moon night in Hindu religion. It is the first night of the first quarter of the lunar month. Since the moon is invisible on the day, Amavasya is also referred as no moon night. Amavasi holds great importance in Hinduism. Many Hindus choose this day to make offering (tharpanam) to the dead ancestors. There is also an ongoing debate whether Amavasya is auspicious or inauspicious.
The term ‘Amavasya’ is commonly used in all regional languages in India. The fortnight that starts with Amavasya is also referred as the Shukla paksha (bright half of the month). Mauni Amavasya in Hindu Magh month (January – February) and Mahalya Amvasya in Ashwayuja (September – October) are highly auspicious. Similarly the Amavasi in Aadi month is of great importance in Tamil Nadu. The Amavasya in Karkidakam month is of importance in Kerala.
In some regions people observe partial fast (Upvaas) or a complete fast on the day.
Thanks to mainstream Indian movies, Amavasya is considered the ideal day to perform black magic and evil acts. Since there is no moon, Amavasya night is pitch dark and this provides the ideal setting to invoke evil powers.
Earlier it was advised not to travel on an Amavasya night. The logic being that there is no moonlight and this could invite lot of hardship and danger.
Many astrologers advise against performing any important ceremony on the day as moon and important planets in Hindu astrology are not visible. In some regions, people do perform certain auspicious deeds on the day. But largely no new beginnings or important ceremonies are held on the day.
Symbolically, the period from Amavasya to Purnima (full moon) is considered to be the gradual awakening and transcendence into the fullness. From darkness to the gradual realization of the Supreme Soul.
