Devotees performing Mahalaya Amavasya rituals to honor their ancestors and seek blessings during Pitru Paksha (Photo: Pinterest)
Mahalaya Amavasya which is a special day in Hinduism celebrates ancestors with sacred puja. During Pitru Paksha it is the day to conduct rituals for their happiness and blessings and hence an extremely spiritual day celebrated with devotion in India every year.
Mahalaya Amavasya is a deeply religious day of the Hindu calendar is commemorated during the decrease in the lunar month that is during the Pitru Paksha time. Coordinated on the amavasya or new moon it is devoted to paying homage to forebears and seeking their blessings.
This celebration is one of the most auspicious occasions for conducting rituals for the peace and liberation of the deceased souls. It is also called Sarva Pitri Amavasya as it is the end of the fortnight of ancestral worship. This day is considered an entry point for devotees from all over India to feel grateful and discharge spiritual obligations towards their ancestors.
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On Sunday, September 21, 2025, it will be Mahalaya Amavasya as the Hindu Panchang says that Amavasya Tithi will start on September 21 at 12:16 AM and end on September 22 at 1:23 AM.
Important Muhurat periods for rituals are:
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These time slots are regarded as extremely favorable for Pind Daan and Tarpan ceremonies to pay respect to ancestors.
This Amavasya holds a special place in Hindu society particularly for those undertaking Shraddha ceremonies for their ancestors. According to tradition, it is believed that families assist their ancestors in achieving moksha or release from the cycle of life and death by offering Pind Daan, Tarpan and food to Brahmins.
It also purifies ancestral karmic debts or Pitru Dosha from the lineage. Mahalaya Amavasya is a spiritual goodbye to forebears and is usually celebrated with seriousness and devotion just before the festive splendor of Navratri. The positive vibes of the day are said to link the living with their heritage family in a holy bond of remembrance and prayer.
In order to purify themselves, which represents spiritual purity, devotees rise early and take a bath. The home is purified and water (arghya) is offered to Lord Surya. Sattvik food is prepared and Brahmins are invited to offer rituals such as Pitru Tarpan. The senior male in the house traditionally performs these offerings.
Offering food to animals like cows, dogs, ants and crows is also promoted as a symbolic practice of compassion. Family members break their fast after the Brahmin feast and offering of clothes and dakshina.
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