In the Hindu calendar, Mahalaya Amavasya, also known as Sarvapitri Amavasya, Pitru Amavasya, or Pitra Moksha Amavasya, is an auspicious day to honor and remember one’s ancestors. On Wednesday, October 2, 2024, Pitra Moksh Amavasya will be observed. This day marks the end of Pitru Paksha and is a significant opportunity for Hindus to perform Shraddha, or ritual offerings, for family members who have passed away, regardless of when they died.
Mahalaya Amavasya 2024: Date and Timings
| Event | Day/Date |
| Mahalaya Amavasya | Wednesday, October 02, 2024 |
| Aparahna Kaal | 1:26 PM – 3:48 PM |
| Kutup Muhurat | 11:52 AM – 12:39 PM |
| Rohina Muhurat | 12:39 PM – 1:26 PM |
Mahalaya Amavasya Rituals
2024 Pitra Moksha Amavasya: Rituals The day known as Mahalaya Amavasya is devoted to performing the Tarpan and Shraddha rituals to guarantee that the souls of the deceased will achieve moksha, or liberation, and bestow happiness and prosperity on their heirs.
- Shraddha and Tarpan: On this day, people perform the Shraddha (ritual offerings) and Tarpan (water offerings) ceremonies to show gratitude and respect for their ancestors. The rituals are carried out by the head of the family, typically the eldest male, in traditional yellow or white clothing.
- Bhoj, a Brahmin: In order to carry out the rites, it is common practice to invite a Brahmin to one’s residence. Brahmins from various branches of the family are seated and pointing in various directions: Pitra Paksha, the paternal lineage, and Matru Paksha, the maternal lineage, are seated facing north, while Deva Paksha, the deva, is seated facing east.
- Prayers and food offerings: After the puja, special food is prepared and presented to the Brahmins and the ancestors. Seasonal vegetables, rice, and lentils are cooked without garlic or onion.
- Diya lighting: Prayers are chanted to invoke the blessings of the deceased through the lighting of diyas, or oil lamps. The Brahmins’ floor is sprinkled with sesame seeds, water, and flowers at the end of the ritual.
Significance Of Pitra Moksha Amavasya
Pitra Moksha Amavasya is regarded as a significant day for requesting ancestors’ blessings. Hinduism holds that this is the time when ancestors leave their heavenly home and descend to the earth to receive offerings from their kin. It is said that Pitra Dosh may have negative effects on those who do not observe the Shraddha rituals during Pitru Paksha. Family members are said to experience difficulties and misfortune as a result of this dosh.
Celestially, Pitra Dosh can cause difficulties like postpones in marriage, medical conditions, or monetary precariousness. On Mahalaya Amavasya, performing Tarpan and Shraddha assists in mitigating these effects, resolving previous karma, and removing obstacles.
