Mauni Amavasya (Bishnoi Monthly Amavasya)
Guru Jambheshwar Maharaj — monthly amavasya fast, niyam-rooted observance
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Mauni Amavasya — the most strictly observed of the 12 monthly amavasyas in the Bishnoi calendar. Falls on Magha amavasya (Jan-Feb). Observed with mauna vrat (silence until midday), bathing, fasting, havan with dry deadfall only, and renewal of the 29 niyams. Bishnois fast on every amavasya, but Mauni Amavasya is the spiritual peak of the monthly cycle.
Dates 2026–2027
Mantra
विष्णो विष्णो तू भजे रे प्राणी
Vishno Vishno tu bhaje re prani
O living being, chant Vishnu, chant Vishnu — Jambhoji's mool mantra, recited in mauna (silence) on Magha amavasya.
How to recite
Bishnois fast on EVERY amavasya as a 29-niyam observance — but Magha amavasya (Mauni Amavasya) is the most strictly observed of the year. Wake before dawn, bathe in cold water, and observe mauna vrat (silence) until midday. Recite Jambhoji's Shabadvani mentally. No grains until sunset; many take only milk and fruit. Visit the village Bishnoi mandir for dhokh. In the evening, perform havan with dry deadfall (NEVER green wood), break the fast with bajra khichdi, and renew commitment to the 29 niyams.
Benefits
Amavasya fasting is one of the most distinctively Bishnoi practices — the 29 niyams of Guru Jambheshwar (1485 CE) explicitly include amavasya fasting (niyam #14) as a monthly discipline that strengthens the body, the mind, and the bond with the living desert ecosystem. Mauni Amavasya (Magha amavasya) is the year's most strictly observed amavasya: silence + fasting + havan + niyam-renewal. The practice has continued unbroken in Bishnoi villages for over 540 years.
✦ Special Note
Per Drik Panchang. Magha Amavasya 2026: February 17. Magha Amavasya 2027: February 6. Bishnois additionally fast on every other amavasya of the year — the two Mukam Melas (Asoj and Phalgun amavasyas) have their own dedicated entries; the remaining ~10 amavasyas per year are observed at home with the same rules. Dates per Drik Panchang (drikpanchang.com, Rajasthan/Marwar Purnimanta reckoning); community observance details per the Akhil Bharatiya Bishnoi Mahasabha and Mukam (Muktidham Mukam) Mandir Sansthan calendars.
Foods Allowed
Foods to Avoid
Meal Idea
Bajra khichdi with ghee and ker-sangri sabzi at sunset, broken with chaas; observed in mauna (silence) until midday and with full niyam discipline throughout.
Related vrats
Prioritising the same tradition and category, with related tradition or family entries when fewer than six exist.
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- Vat Savitri Amavasya (Banyan Tree Worship) — June 14, 2026Same tradition and category
- Mukam Mela (Asoj Amavasya) — October 10, 2026Same tradition and category
- Mukam Mela (Phalgun Amavasya) — March 18, 2026Same tradition and category
- Akshay Tritiya (Bishnoi) — April 19, 2026Same tradition
- Devshayani Ekadashi (Bishnoi — Chaturmas Begins) — July 25, 2026Same tradition
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