Date & Tithi
Amavasya Tithi begins at 12:16 am on September 21, 2025. On this day, performing Shraddha is considered especially auspicious for ancestors, including those whose exact date of passing is unknown.
Scriptures outline three sacred windows, or Parvan Kaal, to perform Pind Daan and Tarpan:
- Kutup Muhurat: 11:50 am – 12:38 pm
- Rohina Muhurat: 12:38 pm – 01:27 pm
- Aparahna Kaal: 01:27 pm – 03:53 pm
Spiritual Significance
Known as Sarvapitra Moksha Amavasya, a single Shraddha on this day is believed to appease all ancestors. It is particularly significant for:
- Souls who departed on Amavasya, Chaturdashi, or Purnima tithi
- Ancestors whose death anniversaries are forgotten
- Those performing collective Shraddha for the entire lineage
Observing these rituals is believed to remove Pitru Dosha and bring protection, prosperity, and inner peace to the family.
Connection with Mahalaya & Navratri
In West Bengal, Mahalaya Amavasya signals the beginning of Durga Puja and Navratri celebrations. Devotees believe that Goddess Durga descends to Earth on this day, joining prayers for forefathers and blessing families with divine grace.
Rituals of Amavasya Shraddha
- Pind Daan: Offering rice balls mixed with barley, sesame seeds, and ghee with devotion.
- Tarpan: Water mixed with sesame seeds is offered to ancestors.
- Brahman Bhoj: Feeding Brahmins and the needy to complete the ritual.
- Charity (Daan): Donating clothes, food, and essentials in remembrance of ancestors.
- Prayer & Meditation: Chanting mantras like Om Pitrubhyo Swadha Namah to bring peace to the departed.
Why This Day Matters
Pitru Paksha is believed to be a time when ancestors’ souls come closer to the living world. Performing Shraddha on Amavasya ensures their peace while inviting blessings and harmony for the family. Scriptures state: “When the Pitras are content, the gods are pleased; when the gods are pleased, all beings are blessed.”
Mahalaya Amavasya serves as a bridge of remembrance, gratitude, and intergenerational connection, keeping the eternal bond between generations alive.