Significance
Mauni Amavasya is also known as Mauni Amavas. As name suggests it is also the day of silence in Hinduism when people take pledge to observe one day fasting by not uttering a word throughout the day. It is believed that the water of the most sacred and holy river in Hinduism, the Ganga, turns into the nectar on Mauni Amavasya day. Due to this belief Mauni Amavasya day is the most important day in Hindu calendar to take holy dip in the Ganges.
History
The day is also celebrated as the birthday of Manu rishi. It is believed, Lord Brahma gave origination to Maharaja Manu and queen Shatrupa. Hence, this day is considered as the beginning of the universe creation.
The fifteenth day of the dark fortnight of Magha is well known as Mauni amavasya. The Magha is considered as religiously most sacred among other Indian months. The word Mauni means silence, on this day complete silence is observed. If this date falls on Monday, then its auspiciousness increases all the more. This is also the day of a dip in the holy Ganga.
How to Celebrate
According to North Indian calendar, Mauni Amavasya falls in the middle of Magha month and also known as Maghi Amavasya. Many people take pledge to take holy dip in the Ganges not only on Mauni Amavasya day but also during whole Magha Mahina. The daily bathing ritual starts on Paush Purnima and ends on Magha Purnima day.
During Kumbh Mela, Mauni Amavasya is the most important bathing day at Prayag in Allahabad and known as the day of Amrit Yoga and the day of Kumbh Parva.