Sarva Pitru Amavasya, also known as Mahalaya Amavasya or Pitru Amavasya, is a significant Hindu festival dedicated to honouring and remembering one's ancestors. This year, it is observed on **October 2, 2024**.
Significance of Sarva Pitru Amavasya
This day marks the conclusion of the 16-day Pitru Paksha, a period during which Hindus believe that the souls of their ancestors visit the earth. Sarva Pitru Amavasya is crucial as it provides the final opportunity to offer prayers and food to ancestors, symbolizing gratitude and reverence. It is believed that performing rituals on this day ensures the liberation of the ancestors' souls and brings peace and blessings to the living family members.
The festival is also known as Pitru Visarjan Amavasya or Mahalaya Samapan, indicating the departure of the ancestors' souls back to their realm after the rituals are performed. If the rituals are not conducted, it is believed that the ancestors' souls will return disappointed, leading to various difficulties in the lives of their descendants.
Rituals and Muhurat
The rituals of Sarva Pitru Amavasya are elaborate and involve several key components. The eldest male family member typically conducts the ceremonies, which include taking a holy bath, wearing clean clothes such as a dhoti and sacred thread (janeyu), and performing the Shraddha rituals. A durva grass ring is also worn during these ceremonies.
Offerings to ancestors include tarpan and pind daan . Food is offered to ants, dogs, crows, and cows. The underprivileged are also provided with food, clothing, and donations. Brahmins are often invited to partake in the prepared meals, and dakshina (offerings) in the form of utensils, fruits, vegetables, grains, sweets, clothing, and money are given to them.
The auspicious timings for the rituals include the Kutup Muhurat from 11:12 AM to 12:00 PM and the Rauhin Muhurat from 12:00 PM to 12:47 PM on October 2, 2024. The Amavasya Tithi begins on October 1, 2024, at 09:39 PM and ends on October 3, 2024, at 12:18 AM.
Charity and Spiritual Growth
Charity is a crucial component of Sarva Pitru Amavasya. Donating money, food, and clothing to the underprivileged is believed to foster spiritual growth and seek blessings from the ancestors. This act of generosity is thought to enhance the giver's wealth and success within the household.
Devotees also worship Lord Vishnu and Yama, the Hindu god of death, during this festival. These deities are essential in assisting the souls on their path to liberation, or Moksha . Their blessings are requested during the rituals to ensure peace for the departed souls and protection for the living family members.
Additional Rituals and Practices
Many devotees take a sacred dip in the Ganga river or other sacred sites for purification. Offerings to Lord Surya and feeding cows, crows, dogs, and ants are also part of the rituals. Inviting Brahmins for meals and providing them with dakshina is considered a virtuous act that brings satisfaction to the ancestors.
For those who may have overlooked or forgotten to observe Shradh during other days of Pitru Paksha, Sarva Pitru Amavasya provides an opportunity to perform the necessary rituals. This includes performing Pitru Dosha Nivaran Puja for individuals with Pitru Dosha in their horoscope to bring peace to their ancestors.
The festival also marks the transition to the vibrant festivities of Durga Puja, one of the most celebrated festivals in Hindu culture.
