Mahalaya Amavasya 2024: Date, time, significance, and rituals

Mahalaya Amavasya, also known as Sarva Pitri Amavasya, carries deep religious and spiritual significance in Hinduism. It is regarded as one of the holiest days for performing rituals to ensure peace and salvation for the souls of ancestors. Although every Amavasya (New Moon day) is dedicated to paying homage to one's forefathers, the Amavasya during Pitru Paksha holds particular importance. In 2024, Mahalaya Amavasya will fall on October 2, concluding the Pitru Paksha period.

Mahalaya Amavasya 2024: Date and Time

The Amavasya Tithi starts on October 1, 2024, at 9:39 PM and concludes on October 3, 2024, at 12:18 AM. Key times for performing rituals include Qutup Muhurta from 11:12 AM to 12:00 PM, followed by Rauhin Muhurta from 12:00 PM to 12:47 PM. The afternoon period between 12:47 PM and 3:11 PM is also deemed important for these rituals.

Mahalaya Amavasya 2024: Significance

This particular Amavasya is known by several names such as Sarva Pitri Amavasya, Pitra Moksha Amavasya, and Pitru Amavasya. The day marks the beginning of Navratri, a nine-day festival dedicated to Goddess Durga. Rituals performed on this day include pujas to seek blessings from ancestors, pind daan, and pitru tarpan. People also invite Brahmins to their homes, feed them, provide clothes, and give offerings.

Mahalaya Amavasya 2024: Rituals

The rituals typically followed on Mahalaya Amavasya (Sarva Pitri Amavasya) include waking up early for a holy bath, cleaning the house, offering prayers to Lord Surya, preparing sattvik food, and inviting Brahmins. Family members, especially males, perform the tarpan ritual with the invited Brahmin's help. It is customary to feed cows, dogs, ants, and crows on this day. After the puja, the male family member offers food, clothes, and dakshina to the Brahmin. Only after the Brahmin has eaten do the family members partake in the meal.