Tue Oct 01 23:36:45 UTC 2024: ## Pitru Amavasya: Offering Ancestral Tributes on October 2nd

**Hyderabad, India -** The auspicious Pitru Amavasya, falling on October 2nd this year, marks a significant day for Hindus to honor their ancestors. According to Hindu beliefs, Pitru Amavasya holds special significance as it is considered the most auspicious day within the 15-day Mahalaya Paksha, a period dedicated to ancestral worship.

“We should honor our ancestors with the same reverence we offer to our deities,” said a local priest, explaining that “Pitru Devata” refers to the three generations of elders in a family. “Offering tarpans (water libations), performing shraddha karma (funeral rites), and pinda pradanam (ritual offerings of food) during this period brings favorable outcomes.”

The priest further emphasized that offering tarpans on the Amavasya (new moon) day within the Mahalaya Paksha holds special significance, equivalent to performing these rituals throughout the year. “Those who have lost their family elders, or those who have lost both parents, should make sure to perform the Pitru Karma during this Mahalaya Paksha,” he stressed. “Those unable to perform the rituals over the entire 15 days should at least offer food and perform these rituals on Pitru Amavasya with devotion to honor their ancestors.”

The Mahalaya Paksha is a sacred time to perform these ancestral rituals. “These rituals provide satisfaction and appease the ancestors,” the priest explained.

The Mahalaya Paksha is also linked to the epic Mahabharata. Legend has it that after his death, Karna found himself in heaven, but due to only giving wealth and not food to the needy in his life, he faced a distressing situation where he was unable to quench his hunger or thirst. Recognizing his mistake, he requested to return to earth to rectify his actions. He was granted 15 days to perform acts of charity, during which he offered food to the hungry. This period is believed to be the Mahalaya Paksha, ending on Pitru Amavasya.

On this Pitru Amavasya, offering tarpans to ancestors is believed to bring good fortune and ensure their peaceful passage to the afterlife.

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