Mahalaya 2024 Date, Rituals & Significance: When is Mahalaya this Year?

Mahalaya Amavasya, also known as Sarvapitri Amavasya, Pitru Amavasya, or Pitra Moksha Amavasya, is a significant day in the Hindu calendar dedicated to honouring ancestors. Observed during the month of Bhadrapada (as per the Amavasyant calendar) in South India and in Ashwin (as per the Purnimant calendar) in North India, it falls between September and October in the Gregorian calendar. Mahalaya Amavasya marks the last day of Pitru Paksha, a 15-day period dedicated to performing rituals for deceased family members.

In 2024, Mahalaya Amavasya will be observed on Wednesday, October 2. The Amavasya Tithi will begin on October 1, at 9:39 PM and will end on October 3, at 12:18 AM. This day is particularly significant as any ancestor’s shraddha can be performed, regardless of their specific death tithi.

Key Ritual Timings for Mahalaya Amavasya 2024:
Aparahna Kaal: 1:26 PM - 3:48 PM
Kutup Muhurat: 11:52 AM - 12:39 PM
Rohina Muhurat: 12:39 PM - 1:26 PM

Mahalaya Rituals
Mahalaya Amavasya is a day for offering tarpan and performing shraddha rituals to seek blessings from one’s ancestors. On this day, the eldest male of the family typically conducts the ceremony, wearing yellow clothing. A Brahmin is invited to the household, and their feet are washed before they are seated. For Deva Paksha Brahmins, they are seated facing east, while Pitra Paksha and Matru Paksha Brahmins are seated facing north.

The ancestors, or "pitrs," are worshipped with offerings of dhoop (incense), diya (lamps), and flowers. Water mixed with barley is also offered as part of the ritual, with the worshipper wearing a sacred thread on their right shoulder. Food is specially prepared and offered to Brahmins following the completion of the puja. Sesame seeds are also sprinkled on the floor where the Brahmins are seated to please the ancestors.

This day is dedicated to remembering the ancestors with mantras and prayers, seeking forgiveness for any mistakes and asking for their blessings for prosperity and peace.

Significance of Mahalaya Amavasya
The rituals performed on Mahalaya Amavasya are believed to bring blessings, protection, and prosperity. It is said in Hindu scriptures that if an individual cannot perform the shraddha on their ancestor’s death anniversary, they can do so on Mahalaya Amavasya. On this day, it is believed that ancestors visit their living descendants. If the rituals are not performed, they return unhappy.

Astrologically, the concept of ‘Pitra Dosh’ explains that if an ancestor has unresolved issues, it can reflect negatively in the lives of their descendants. This dosh can manifest as challenges in their life. By performing the Mahalaya rituals, this ancestral burden can be lifted, providing peace to the ancestors and prosperity to their descendants.

Mahalaya Amavasya is not only a day to honour the ancestors but also marks the beginning of the Durga Puja celebrations in West Bengal and the Bathukamma festival in Telangana.

Also Read: when is mahalaya? Know date, time and more