(Amavasya) The new
moon in northern India generally signifies the middle of the lunar month, but
in southern India, it usually signifies the end.
Unlike the full moon, which is usually auspicious due to its
connections with fullness and completion, the new moon is more equivocal due to
its links with darkness and emptiness.
Diwali, one of the most significant Hindu religious
celebrations, occurs on the new moon of Kartik (October–November).
On other instances, such as a Somavati Amavasya, a new moon
that falls on a Monday, the new moon may be very auspicious.
The new moon, on the other hand, is less unambiguously
favorable than the full moon.
Not only are there fewer festivities around the new moon,
but there are also a higher percentage of holidays that occur during the waxing
part of the lunar month.
The new moon and the dark, waning half are not inherently
bad, although they are seen as less fortunate than the light half and the full
moon.
