Mahalaya Amavasya, also known as Sarvapitri Amavasya, Pitru Amavasya or Pitru Moksha Amavasya, is an extremely auspicious day in the Hindu calendar dedicated to honoring and remembering one’s ancestors. This holy day marks the end of Shraddha or Pitru Paksha, a 16-day period during which Hindus perform rituals to pay homage to their ancestors.
This annual ritual holds deep religious significance, as Mahalaya Amavasya provides the last opportunity to offer prayers and food to the ancestors, a symbol of gratitude and reverence. Apart from its spiritual significance, the day also signals the beginning of the festive season, especially the arrival of Durga Puja, one of the most famous festivals in Hindu culture. From date to time, scroll down to know more. (Also read: October festivals: From Dussehra and Diwali to Karva Chauth, check out the complete list ,
Mahalaya Amavasya 2024 date and time
This year the Hindu festival of Mahalaya Amavasya will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 2. According to Drik Panchang, the auspicious time to celebrate this occasion is as follows:
Amavasya Tithi Start – 09:39 PM, 1 October 2024
Amavasya Tithi ends – 12:18 AM, October 3, 2024
Kutup Muhurta- 11:12 am to 12:00 noon, 2 October 2024
Rohin Muhurta- 12:00 noon to 12:47 pm, 2 October 2024
Meridian Time – 12:47 PM to 03:11 PM, 2 October 2024
Mahalaya Amavasya 2024 significance
Mahalaya Amavasya, one of the most revered days in the Hindu calendar, has deep religious and spiritual significance as it falls during Pitru Paksha. This important Amavasya falls in the month of Ashwin and is also known as Sarva Pitru Amavasya. According to Hindu scriptures, this is the day when deceased family members, now ancestors, return to their loka, Pitru Loka. It is believed that by worshiping them with devotion on this day, the ancestors bless their descendants with happiness and prosperity before returning back to the ancestral world.
Mahalaya Amavasya 2024 Puja Rituals
On Mahalaya Amavasya, the rituals begin with early bathing and cleaning of the house. The male members of the family invite Brahmins home while the women prepare Satvik dishes. Tarpan is performed by men, and food is served to Brahmins, which symbolizes feeding the ancestors. After the meal, clothes, shoes, Dakshina are given to the Brahmins and the family members take their blessings. Before the family eats, the leftover food is given to cows, dogs and crows. The day is also ideal for charity and many women worship the Peepal tree by offering water and lighting lamps for blessings.
