Mauni Amavasya

This festival falls on the day of the
new moon (amavasya) in the lunar
month of Magh (January–February).
Those observing this holiday pass the
day in silence. The word mauni (speechless) is derived from the word muni
(sage); silence is seen as one of the religious practices helping to promote spiritual awareness. During the entire
month of Magh, bathing (snana) in the
Ganges (or another sacred river) is seen
as meritorious. Bathing on the day of
the new moon offers greater sanctity. A
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Matsya Avatar
well-known spot for this rite is at the city
of Allahabad, at the confluence of the
Ganges and the Yamuna Rivers.