Mahalaya Amavasya, one of the most significant days in the Hindu calendar, marks the conclusion of Pitru Paksha — a fortnight dedicated to honoring ancestors.
It is believed that on this day, the souls of forefathers, after receiving offerings from their descendants, return to Pitru Loka (the ancestral realm), blessing the family with peace, prosperity, and health. This year, Mahalaya Amavasya falls on Sunday, September 21, 2025, during the month of Ashwina.
Date and Timings
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Amavasya Tithi Begins: 12:16 AM, September 21, 2025
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Amavasya Tithi Ends: 01:23 AM, September 22, 2025
Auspicious Muhurat for Pitru Rituals (Parvan Kaal):
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Kutup Muhurat: 11:50 AM – 12:38 PM
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Rohina Muhurat: 12:38 PM – 01:27 PM
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Aparahna Kaal: 01:27 PM – 03:53 PM
Performing pind daan and tarpan during these auspicious periods is believed to ensure maximum spiritual benefit.
Spiritual Significance
Mahalaya Amavasya is also known as Sarva Pitru Amavasya because it is considered the most powerful day to appease all ancestors, even those whose exact death anniversaries are unknown. According to scriptures, paying homage on this day helps liberate ancestral souls and removes Pitru Dosha (ancestral karmic debt) from the family lineage.
Devotees believe that offering prayers and food during this time not only grants peace to departed souls but also ensures happiness, good health, and protection for the living family members.
Puja Rituals and Traditions
Mahalaya Amavasya is observed with devotion, discipline, and purity. The key rituals include:
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Morning Bath and House Cleaning – The day begins with a purifying bath and cleaning of the puja room and house.
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Brahmin Bhoj Arrangements – The male head of the family invites Brahmins home for a ritual meal.
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Cooking Sattvik Meals – Women of the household prepare traditional sattvik food without onion, garlic, or spices.
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Tarpan and Pind Daan – A male family member, with the help of a priest, offers water (tarpan) and pind daan (rice balls with sesame and ghee) to the ancestors.
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Serving Brahmins – Food is offered to Brahmins, after which they are gifted clothes, footwear, and dakshina (donation).
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Blessings – Family members seek the blessings of the Brahmins by touching their feet.
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Offering to Animals and Birds – Food is offered to cows, dogs, and crows, believed to be messengers of ancestors.
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Charity and Giving – Donating food, clothes, and essentials to the needy is considered highly auspicious.
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Peepal Tree Worship – Many women visit temples to offer water mixed with milk and sugar to the peepal tree, light a diya with ghee, and pray for family prosperity.
It is customary not to accompany Brahmins outside the home after the rituals, as scriptures advise against seeing them off.
Why Mahalaya Amavasya Matters
This day symbolizes the spiritual bridge between generations, reminding families of their roots and responsibilities. Observing Mahalaya Amavasya with faith is believed to grant liberation (moksha) to departed souls and invite divine blessings for the entire lineage.
For devotees in West Bengal, Mahalaya also marks the beginning of Durga Puja festivities, symbolizing Goddess Durga’s descent to Earth.
