Mahalaya Amavasya, known as Sarva Pitru Amavasya, carries profound religious and spiritual importance in Hinduism. It is considered one of the most auspicious days for conducting rituals to ensure the peace and salvation of ancestors' souls. While each Amavasya (New Moon day) is dedicated to honouring one's forebears, the Amavasya during Pitru Paksha holds particular significance. In 2024, Mahalaya Amavasya will be celebrated on October 2, marking the end of Pitru Paksha.

Date and Time

In 2024, the Amavasya Tithi begins on October 1 at 9:39 PM and ends on October 3 at 12:18 AM. Important time frames for conducting rituals include the Qutub Muhurta from 11:12 AM to 12:00 PM and the Rauhin Muhurta from 12:00 PM to 12:47 PM. Furthermore, the afternoon period from 12:47 PM to 3:11 PM is also considered significant for these ceremonies.

Significance

Mahalaya Amavasya is referred to by several names, such as Sarva Pitru Amavasya, Pitra Moksha Amavasya, and Pitru Amavasya. This day signifies the beginning of Navratri, a nine-day festival honouring Goddess Durga. Rituals performed on this day, including pujas, aim to seek blessings from ancestors, along with the practices of pind daan and pitru tarpan. Families often invite Brahmins to their homes, providing meals, offering clothing, and making other donations as part of the observances.

Rituals

The rituals linked to Mahalaya Amavasya (Sarva Pitru Amavasya) commence with an early morning holy bath, followed by house cleaning and prayers to Lord Surya. People prepare sattvik food and invite Brahmins to conduct the tarpan ritual, which is usually performed by the male members of the family. It is customary to feed cows, dogs, ants, and crows on this day as an act of reverence.

Once the puja is completed, male family members provide food, clothing, and dakshina to the Brahmin. Only after the Brahmin has finished their meal do the family members partake in the feast.