Sarva Pitru Amavasya

Sarva Pitru Amavasya is observed on the New Moon day (Amavasya) during Mahalaya paksha shraddh. This Amavasya falls during Ashwin month as per North Indian calendar, and in the Bhadrapada month as per South Indian calender. Durga Navaratri festival begins on the next day of Sarva Pitru Amavasya.

Sarvapitru Amavasya is performed to invoke the blessings of the ancestors and seek their blessings for a peaceful and prosperous life. The word ‘sarvapitru’ in Hindi means ‘all forefathers’ and ‘amavasya’ refers to ‘new moon day’. Therefore Sarvapitru Amavasya is observed on the last of the Pitru Paksha, the ‘fortnight of the ancestors’ and is also the most significant day of this period. In Bengal it is observed as ‘Mahalaya’ that marks the beginning of the grand Durga puja celebrations. This day also symbolizes the descent of Goddess Durga on Earth. This day is celebrated with the objective to pay honour and respect to the ancestors with immense devotion and fervour.

Rituals during Sarvapitru Amavasya:

On this day, the tarpan and shraddha rituals are observed for those deceased family members who died on the ‘chaturdashi’, ‘amavasya’ or ‘purnima’ tithi.
On the day of Sarvapitru Amavasya, the observer gets up early and finishes the morning rituals. They wear yellow clothes on this day and invite a Brahmin to their house. The shraddha ceremony is observed by the eldest male in the family.
As the Brahmin comes, the observer of the ritual washes their feet and provides them a clean place to sit. In Hindu scriptures there is specific direction for seating. Deva Paksha Brahmin are seated facing east, while Pitra Paksha and Matru Paksha Brahmin are seated facing the northern direction.
On the Sarvapitru Amavasya the ancestors or ‘pitrs’ are worshipped with dhoop, diya and flowers. A blend of water and barley is also offered to please the forefathers. A sacred thread is worn on the right shoulder and a splint is offered as donation. Special food is prepared for this event and offered to the Brahmins after finishing the puja rituals. Sesame seeds are also sprinkled at the floor where the Brahmins are seated.
This day is celebrated in honour of the ancestors and the members of the family spend the day in their remembrance. Mantras are recited to invoke the blessings of ancestors. On this day, people thank their ancestors who have contributed for their life. They also ask apology from their forefathers and pray that their souls rest in peace.