Today, 17 August 2012 is Amavasya (No Moon) day in Hindu calendar. It is Adhik Bhadrapad Amavasya in North Indian Hindi calendar and Shravan Amavasya as per Marathi, Gujarat, Telugu & Kannada calendars. It marks the end of Shravan Month in Amavasyant Panchangams. Amavasya begins at 10.06 PM on 16th August and ends at 9.24 PM on 17th August.
August 2012 Amavasai falls in Aavani Masam in Tamil calendar, Chingam Month in Kerala and Bhadra Month in Bengali Panji. This No Moon marks the beginning of the above said months in these calendars.
Vrishabha Pujan (Pola / Bail Pola), Poleramma Puja and Polamba Vratham are the meritorious austerities to observe on this Amavasya.
In Andhra Pradesh ‘Polala Amavasya Vratham’ is observed today.