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Mahalaya Amavasya, also known as Pitru Paksha Amavasya or Sarva Pitru Amavasya, is a significant day in the Hindu calendar. It marks the culmination of Pitru Paksha, a 15-day period dedicated to honoring and paying homage to one’s ancestors, also known as Pitris. In 2024, Mahalaya Amavasya will be observed on October 2, 2024.
This day holds immense spiritual and cultural importance, as it is believed that during Mahalaya Amavasya, the ancestors bless their descendants for health, prosperity, and well-being. It also heralds the beginning of the festive season, especially the arrival of Durga Puja, which starts just after Mahalaya.
Significance of Mahalaya Amavasya
Mahalaya Amavasya is a time for remembering and expressing gratitude to the ancestors, thanking them for their guidance and blessings. According to Hindu belief, the souls of the departed stay in Pitru Loka, a realm between the heavens and the earth, and during Pitru Paksha, they come down to visit their descendants. Performing rituals on Mahalaya Amavasya is considered especially auspicious as it is believed that it helps in attaining peace and salvation for the departed souls.
Mahalaya is also connected to the beginning of Durga Puja celebrations in West Bengal and other parts of India. It is said that on this day, Goddess Durga begins her journey to the earth, bringing joy and blessings to her devotees.
Rituals and Observances of Mahalaya Amavasya
Tarpan and Shradh: The most important ritual during Mahalaya Amavasya is the performance of Tarpan and Shradh. Tarpan is an offering made to the ancestors by offering water mixed with sesame seeds, barley, and flowers. Shradh, on the other hand, involves feeding Brahmins, offering food to crows (believed to be messengers of the ancestors), and donating to the needy in the name of one’s forefathers.
Pind Daan: In some parts of India, especially in holy cities like Gaya, Varanasi, and Haridwar, people perform Pind Daan, a ritual offering of rice balls (Pinda) to the departed souls. This is believed to provide nourishment and peace to the ancestors and help them attain salvation.
Fasting: Many devotees observe a fast on Mahalaya Amavasya to cleanse their body and soul and focus on the rituals. The fast usually involves abstaining from non-vegetarian food, garlic, and onions. Some devotees fast entirely, consuming only water, while others follow a restricted diet.
Donation and Charity: Donating food, clothes, and other essentials to the poor is an important practice on this day. This act of charity is believed to bring peace to the ancestors and good fortune to the family.
Listening to Mahalaya Chants: In West Bengal, it is a traditional custom to listen to the recitation of “Mahishasura Mardini”, an early morning radio program that narrates the story of Goddess Durga’s victory over the buffalo demon, Mahishasura. This marks the spiritual beginning of Durga Puja celebrations.
The Spiritual Significance of Mahalaya Amavasya
The spiritual importance of Mahalaya Amavasya lies in the belief that offering prayers and food to the ancestors helps to pacify their souls and free them from any suffering in the afterlife. It is said that those who do not perform these rituals may experience obstacles and hardships in their lives due to the unfulfilled desires of their ancestors.
By performing the rituals, devotees seek forgiveness for any shortcomings in fulfilling their duties towards their forefathers. It is also believed that ancestors bless their descendants with happiness, success, and harmony if the rituals are performed with devotion and sincerity.
How is Mahalaya Amavasya Celebrated Across India?
While the essence of Mahalaya Amavasya remains the same across India, the customs and traditions vary slightly in different regions:
In North India, especially in the states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, people visit holy rivers like the Ganges to perform Tarpan and Shradh for their ancestors. Large crowds gather at Gaya for Pind Daan.
In South India, particularly in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka, Mahalaya Amavasya is known as Mahalaya Paksha Amavasya. Devotees perform Shradh and Tarpan at their homes or nearby rivers, and special prayers are offered in temples.
In West Bengal, Mahalaya Amavasya marks the official countdown to Durga Puja, one of the biggest festivals in the state. People wake up early in the morning to listen to the “Mahishasura Mardini” chants, and the day is filled with excitement as the preparations for Durga Puja begin.
Mahalaya Amavasya 2024 is a day of deep reverence and spiritual connection with one’s ancestors. It is a time to honor their memories, seek their blessings, and perform rituals that ensure their peace in the afterlife. As this sacred day also marks the beginning of the festive season, it brings a sense of renewal, hope, and the joy of welcoming Goddess Durga to earth. Whether through fasting, charity, or ritual offerings, Mahalaya Amavasya is a time for reflection, gratitude, and devotion.
(This article is intended for your general information only. Zee News does not vouch for its accuracy or reliability.)
