Gajachhaya Yoga
festivalsQuick Overview
- Date in 2026
- Friday, October 9, 2026
- Tithi
- Ashwin Krishna Amavasya (Purnimanta)
- Tithi begins / ends
- 09:36 PM, Oct 09 to 09:20 PM, Oct 10
- Lunar month
- Ashwin · Krishna Paksha
- Also on this tithi
- Sarva Pitru Amavasya, Phalgu Yoga
Gajachhaya Yoga
Friday, October 9, 2026
Lunar Month: Ashwin
Gajachhaya Yoga at a Glance
Gajachhaya Yoga is fixed by the lunar calendar to Ashwin Krishna Amavasya, the 15th tithi of the waning (Krishna) fortnight of Ashwin (Bhadrapada Krishna Amavasya in the Amanta calendar).
- Tithi rule
- Ashwin Krishna Amavasya (Purnimanta)Krishna AmavasyaAshwin month
- Tithi swami and group
- Pitra · Purna Tithi
- Also on this tithi
- Sarva Pitru AmavasyaPhalgu Yoga
Panchanga on This Day
Gajachhaya Yoga · Oct 9, 2026
About Gajachhaya Yoga
Gajachhaya Yoga is a rare and highly auspicious astrological combination that occurs during the Pitru Paksha fortnight. It is formed when the Sun transits through the Hasta Nakshatra in the sign of Virgo (Kanya) while the Moon is in the Magha Nakshatra, creating a powerful alignment for ancestral rituals.
The term 'Gajachhaya' literally means 'the shadow of an elephant,' symbolising immense strength, stability, and auspiciousness. When this yoga coincides with the Trayodashi or Amavasya tithi of Pitru Paksha, the merit of Shraddha, Tarpan, and Pind Daan is believed to multiply manyfold.
Because the yoga depends on precise celestial positions, it does not occur every year. Families therefore eagerly consult the Panchang to identify the day and perform elaborate rituals for the peace and liberation of their ancestors.
Vrat Vidhi & Fasting Rules
On Gajachhaya Yoga, devotees perform enhanced ancestral rites and charity to maximise spiritual benefit for departed souls.
- Determine the exact timing of Gajachhaya Yoga from a reliable Panchang, as it occurs only on specific tithis during Pitru Paksha.
- Perform Tarpan to ancestors with black sesame seeds, barley, kusha grass, and water mixed with Ganges water if available.
- Offer Pind Daan or hire a qualified priest to conduct Shraddha rituals during the yoga period.
- Feed Brahmins, cows, dogs, crows, and ants, as these offerings are said to reach the ancestors.
- Donate food, clothes, blankets, and sesame seeds to the needy in the name of the departed.
- Maintain satvik conduct, avoid anger and gossip, and chant mantras for ancestral peace.
Gajachhaya Yoga: Frequently Asked Questions
Ashwin Krishna Amavasya (Bhadrapada Krishna Amavasya in the Amanta calendar); its swami is Pitra, a Purna Tithi.
Krishna Amavasya: 09:36 PM, Fri, Oct 9, 2026 to 09:20 PM, Sat, Oct 10, 2026 (IST).
Sarva Pitru Amavasya and Phalgu Yoga, also on Ashwin Krishna Amavasya.
No, the precise alignment of the Sun in Hasta and the Moon in Magha during Pitru Paksha is rare and may occur after several years.
Traditionally, male members perform the rituals, but many families conduct them together or under priestly guidance according to custom.
Festivals in the Same Lunar Month
Ashwin
Note: times are shown with their date; a Panchang day runs from sunrise to sunrise.
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