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Shani Jayanti 2026: Chhaya Daan Ritual – Shani Jayanti falls on Saturday, May 16th. This day marks the rare and auspicious conjunction of *Shani Amavasya* (New Moon of Shani). Lord Shani was born on the *Amavasya Tithi* (New Moon day) during the *Krishna Paksha* (waning phase of the moon) of the month of *Jyeshtha*; consequently, Shani Jayanti—or the birth celebration of Lord Shani—is observed every year on *Jyeshtha Amavasya*. On this day, an *Abhishek* (ritual anointing) of Lord Shani is performed using oil. Those currently under the influence of *Shani's Sade Sati* or *Dhaiyya* (specific astrological periods of Shani's transit) should perform *Chhaya Daan* (the ritual of donating one's reflection) on Shani Jayanti. Performing *Chhaya Daan* is believed to grant relief from the afflictions caused by Lord Shani. Even those not currently undergoing *Sade Sati* or *Dhaiyya* may perform *Chhaya Daan* or offer an oil *Abhishek*.

**Shani Jayanti 2026 Auspicious Timings (Muhurat)**

**Commencement of Jyeshtha Amavasya Tithi:** From 05:11 AM on May 16th

**Conclusion of Jyeshtha Amavasya Tithi:** At 01:30 AM on May 17th

**Most Auspicious Time for Shani Dev Puja:** From 07:12 AM to 08:54 AM

**Which Oil Should Be Used for Chhaya Daan?**

Performing *Chhaya Daan* on the occasion of Shani Jayanti is considered highly meritorious and yields auspicious results. You may now be wondering: which oil should be used for *Chhaya Daan*? The options are mustard oil or sesame oil. It is considered best if you can procure oil made from black sesame seeds (*Kala Til*); however, authenticating its purity can be difficult.

You may either extract the black sesame oil yourself to offer, or purchase it from the market. However, when buying from the market, it is often difficult to verify whether the oil is truly derived from black sesame seeds or from white sesame seeds. To avoid this uncertainty, the simplest and most practical option is mustard oil. You should perform your *Chhaya Daan* using mustard oil, as it is easily accessible to everyone.

**Method for Performing Chhaya Daan**

On the day of Shani Jayanti, wake up during the *Brahma Muhurat* (the auspicious pre-dawn period), complete your morning ablutions and bath, and wear clean clothes.

Thereafter, take a vessel made of steel or iron, along with some pure mustard oil. Then, proceed to a nearby Shani temple.

It is important to keep in mind that you must *not* make direct eye contact with the idol of Lord Shani. It is said that Lord Shani possesses a "malefic gaze"—wherever it falls, a period of misfortune begins for that individual.
First, offer your worship to Lord Shani. Present him with blue flowers, black sesame seeds, Shami leaves, incense, and a lamp lit with mustard oil.

Following this, recite the *Shani Chalisa* and perform the *Aarti* (ritual of lights) for Lord Shani. Thereafter, perform the ritual of *Chhaya Daan* (the offering of one's reflection).

While meditating upon Lord Shani, fill a steel or iron vessel with mustard oil. Then, gaze into the oil within the vessel to view your own reflection.

Pray to Lord Shani to alleviate the crises and tribulations in your life, and to grant you freedom from ailments. If you are involved in any disputes, court cases, or similar matters, pray for deliverance from them.

Subsequently, take the vessel filled with oil outside the temple premises and donate it to a poor or needy individual. The donation must include both the oil and the vessel itself.

*Chhaya Daan* performed in this manner can help dispel your afflictions and invoke the divine grace of Lord Shani upon you.

If, for any reason, you are unable to find the time during the day, you may also perform the *Chhaya Daan* ritual during the evening hours.

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