Mahalaya Amavasya 2024: Date, timing, rituals and significance

Mahalaya Amavasya is a moment of showing appreciation to our ancestors, thanking them for their guidance and blessings.

Mahalaya Amavasya, also known as Pitru Paksha Amavasya or Sarva Pitru Amavasya, is a significant date in the Hindu calendar that marks the conclusion of Pitru Paksha, 15 days dedicated to honouring ancestors, known as Pitris. In 2024, Mahalaya Amavasya will be observed on October 2. This day is not only spiritually and culturally important, but it also signals the onset of the festive season, particularly the arrival of Durga Puja, which begins shortly after.

Mahalaya Amavasya 2024 is a day filled with deep reverence and spiritual connection to one’s ancestors.

It is a time to honour their memories, seek their blessings, and perform rituals that ensure their peace in the afterlife.

Additionally, as this sacred day heralds the beginning of the festive season, it brings renewal, hope, and the joy of welcoming Goddess Durga to Earth.

Through fasting, charity, and ritual offerings, Mahalaya Amavasya serves as a period for reflection, gratitude, and devotion.

SIGNIFICANCE OF MAHALAYA AMAVASYA

Mahalaya Amavasya serves as a time for remembrance and gratitude towards one’s ancestors, expressing thanks for their guidance and blessings.

According to Hindu beliefs, the souls of the departed reside in Pitru Loka, a realm between heaven and earth, and during Pitru Paksha, they visit their descendants.

Performing rituals on Mahalaya Amavasya is seen as particularly auspicious, as it is believed to aid in achieving peace and salvation for these souls.

This day is closely linked to the commencement of Durga Puja celebrations, especially in West Bengal, where it is believed that Goddess Durga begins her journey to Earth, bringing joy and blessings to her devotees.

RITUALS AND OBSERVANCES

The most important rituals performed during Mahalaya Amavasya are Tarpan and Shradh. Tarpan involves offering water mixed with sesame seeds, barley, and flowers to ancestors.

Shradh includes feeding Brahmins, offering food to crows (considered messengers of the ancestors), and donating to the needy in the name of one's forefathers.

In regions like Gaya, Varanasi, and Haridwar, people perform Pind Daan, offering rice balls (Pinda) to departed souls.

This ritual is believed to provide nourishment and peace to the ancestors, assisting them in attaining salvation.

Many devotees observe a fast on Mahalaya Amavasya to purify their body and soul while focusing on the rituals.

This fast often excludes non-vegetarian food, garlic, and onions. Some individuals may choose to fast completely, consuming only water, while others adhere to a restricted diet.

Acts of charity, such as donating food, clothing, and essentials to those in need, are important practices on this day.

These gestures are thought to bring peace to ancestors and good fortune to the family.

In West Bengal, a traditional custom is 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 the Durga Puja celebrations.

SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE

The spiritual essence of Mahalaya Amavasya lies in the belief that offering prayers and food to ancestors helps pacify their souls, releasing them from suffering in the afterlife.

Those who neglect these rituals may face obstacles in their lives, attributed to the unfulfilled desires of their ancestors.

By performing these rituals with devotion, devotees seek forgiveness for any shortcomings in honouring their forefathers.

It is believed that ancestors bless their descendants with happiness, success, and harmony when these rituals are conducted sincerely.