Mahalaya 2024 Date and Time: When is Mahalaya Amavasya? Know Rituals, Significance, and More

Sarvapitri Amavasya 2024: Date, Time and Significance

Mahalaya Amavasya, also referred to as Sarvapitri Amavasya, Pitru Amavasya, or Pitra Moksha Amavasya, is an auspicious day in the Hindu calendar dedicated to honouring and remembering one's ancestors. In 2024, Mahalaya Amavasya will be observed on Wednesday, 2nd October. This day signifies the last day of Pitru Paksha and is a significant opportunity for Hindus to conduct Shraddha (ritual offerings) for deceased family members, regardless of their specific death anniversary.

Mahalaya Amavasya 2024: Date and Timings

Mahalaya Amavasya is a day dedicated to the offering of Tarpan and Shraddha rituals to ensure that the souls of the departed attain moksha (liberation) and bless their descendants with happiness and prosperity. The rituals performed on this day are believed to relieve the departed souls of any sufferings they may be experiencing and to bring peace and salvation.

• Tarpan and Shraddha: The ceremonies of Tarpan (water offerings) and Shraddha (ritual offerings) are carried out on this day to express gratitude and respect towards one’s forefathers. The head of the family, usually the eldest male, performs the rituals, wearing yellow or white traditional attire.
• Brahmin Bhoj: It is a customary practice to invite a Brahmin to one’s home to perform the rites. Brahmins representing different sides of the family are seated facing different directions: those representing the paternal lineage (Pitra Paksha) and maternal lineage (Matru Paksha) are seated facing north, while those of the deva (Deva Paksha) are seated facing east.
• Offering of Food and Prayers: Special food is prepared, which is first offered to the ancestors, and then to the Brahmins after the puja. Items like rice, lentils, and seasonal vegetables are cooked without onion or garlic. Sesame seeds are also used during the rituals to please the ancestors.
• Lighting of Diyas: Diyas (oil lamps) are lit, and prayers are chanted, invoking the blessings of the deceased souls. The ritual is concluded with the sprinkling of sesame seeds, water, and flowers on the floor where the Brahmins are seated.

Mahalaya Amavasya is considered an extremely potent day for seeking the blessings of the ancestors. According to Hindu beliefs, it is during this period that ancestors leave their heavenly abode and descend to the earth to receive offerings made by their descendants. It is said that those who fail to perform the Shraddha rituals during Pitru Paksha may face the negative effects of Pitra Dosh. This dosh is believed to bring misfortune and obstacles in the lives of the family members.

Astrologically, Pitra Dosh can cause challenges such as delays in marriage, health problems, or financial instability. Performing Tarpan and Shraddha on Mahalaya Amavasya helps in mitigating these effects, resolving past karma, and removing obstacles.

Mahalaya Amavasya also marks the onset of the grand Durga Puja celebrations in West Bengal. The day of Mahalaya is traditionally regarded as the beginning of the festive season and heralds the arrival of Goddess Durga on earth. On this day, people wake up early in the morning to listen to the recitation of the Mahisasuramardini stotra, which narrates the story of the triumph of good over evil. The chanting of these sacred verses creates a spiritually charged atmosphere, symbolising the impending arrival of Goddess Durga.

Mahalaya Amavasya is a powerful day of reverence, remembrance, and ritual. It provides an opportunity for individuals to connect with their ancestral roots and to express gratitude towards the departed souls. Whether it’s seeking their blessings for prosperity or asking for forgiveness for any unintentional mistakes, the observance of this day plays a crucial role in maintaining a harmonious and spiritually enriched life. As 2024 approaches, Mahalaya Amavasya will once again invite millions of Hindus to pay their respects to their ancestors and to prepare for the forthcoming Durga Puja festivities with a pure heart and a sense of devotion.