Also known as: Sarva Pitru Amavasya, Pitru Moksha Amavasya, Mahalaya · Observed: Across India; Mahalaya in Bengal
Significance of Mahalaya Amavasya
Mahalaya Amavasya is the final and most important day of Pitru Paksha, the fortnight devoted to the ancestors. During these fifteen days, Hindus believe the pitrs, departed forebears, come close to the earthly realm to receive offerings from their descendants. Shraddha rites are normally performed on the tithi corresponding to an ancestor's passing, but the new moon of Mahalaya is called Sarva Pitru Amavasya because offerings made on this day reach all ancestors, including those whose death date is unknown, those who died without descendants and distant relatives.
The rites express gratitude for the life, lineage and values passed down through generations, and are regarded as one of the essential duties of a householder.
The Legend of Karna
A widely told story explains the origin of Pitru Paksha. When Karna, the great warrior of the Mahabharata, died and reached the heavens, he was offered gold and jewels instead of food. Asking why, he was told by Indra that throughout his life he had given gold generously in charity but had never offered food to his ancestors. Karna, who learned his true parentage only late in life, had not known his ancestry. He was allowed to return to earth for fifteen days to perform shraddha and offer food and water, and this period became Pitru Paksha.
How the Day Is Observed
Male descendants, and in many families women as well, bathe early and perform tarpana, offering water mixed with black sesame and barley to the ancestors while reciting their names and gotra. Pinda daana, the offering of rice balls, is made, and Brahmins are fed and given gifts. Crows are fed, since they are traditionally regarded as messengers of the ancestors, and food is also given to cows and dogs. Gaya in Bihar is the most renowned place for these rites, while Varanasi, Prayagraj, Rameswaram, Haridwar and the banks of sacred rivers are also visited. The meal is simple and sattvic, often including kheer, puri and seasonal vegetables, and new purchases and celebrations are avoided during the fortnight.
In Bengal, Mahalaya marks the end of Pitri Paksha and the beginning of Devi Paksha. Before dawn, households tune in to the recitation of the Chandi and devotional songs invoking Durga, and artisans traditionally paint the eyes of the Durga images, the chokkhu daan, on this day, beginning the countdown to Durga Puja.
How the Date Is Determined
Mahalaya Amavasya is the new moon that ends the dark fortnight of Bhadrapada in the amanta calendar. In the purnimanta calendar of North India, the same fortnight is called Ashwin Krishna Paksha. Shraddha rites are prescribed for the aparahna, the afternoon, especially the kutapa and rohina muhurtas around midday, so the observance is placed on the day when Amavasya prevails during the afternoon. Sharad Navaratri begins on the following day.
Rituals and customs
- Tarpana with water, black sesame and barley
- Pinda daana and shraddha for all ancestors
- Feeding Brahmins, crows, cows and dogs
- Pilgrimage to Gaya or sacred rivers
- Avoiding celebrations and new purchases
- Mahalaya dawn recitation of the Chandi in Bengal