Mahalaya Amavasya is considered a significant day for honoring and remembering ancestors. This year, it falls on October 2, Wednesday. Hindus perform Tarpan and Shraddha Karma on this day to liberate the souls of their ancestors and also to get rid of Pitru Dosha. The rituals include offering water, preparing satvik food, and lighting a lamp for the ancestors. Mahalaya Amavasya marks the beginning of Navratri and the end of Pitru Paksha in the Hindu calendar. It is also a day for seeking the blessings of ancestors for progress, happiness, and prosperity in life.
Mahalaya Amavasya: Honoring Ancestors and Marking the End of Pitru Paksha
Mahalaya Amavasya, also known as Pitru Moksha Amavasya or Sarva Pitru Amavasya, is a significant day in the Hindu calendar dedicated to honoring and remembering deceased ancestors. It marks the end of Pitru Paksha, a 16-day period observed during the waning phase of the moon in the month of Ashwin (September-October) when Hindus perform rituals to propitiate their ancestors.
Background and Significance of Mahalaya Amavasya
According to Hindu mythology, Pitru Paksha signifies the arrival of our ancestors from Pitru Loka (the abode of the dead) to visit the mortal realm. It is believed that during this period, ancestors stay close to their families and can be reached through specific rituals and offerings. Mahalaya Amavasya, the final day of Pitru Paksha, is considered particularly important for honoring them and ensuring their peaceful departure.
On Mahalaya Amavasya, Hindus perform various rituals, including:
Mahalaya Amavasya and Navratri
Mahalaya Amavasya marks not only the end of Pitru Paksha but also the beginning of Navratri, a nine-day festival dedicated to the worship of the goddess Durga. It is believed that goddess Durga arrives on Earth during Navratri to vanquish evil forces. Many Hindus consider Mahalaya Amavasya as a time of auspicious transition, marking a shift from the mourning period of Pitru Paksha to the festive and energetic atmosphere of Navratri.
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