Sun Sep 21 02:20:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the provided text:
**Sarva Pitru Amavasya Observed Today, September 21, 2025: A Day to Honor Ancestors**
**New Delhi, September 21, 2025** – Hindus across India are observing Sarva Pitru Amavasya today, September 21st, 2025, a significant day dedicated to honoring departed ancestors. This Amavasya, falling on the no-moon day of the Ashwin month, is considered especially important for remembering and paying respects to ancestors whose death dates are unknown or have been forgotten.
According to Hindu beliefs, during the Pitru Paksha period, the spirits of ancestors descend to Earth. Sarva Pitru Amavasya marks the culmination of this period, providing a final opportunity to bid farewell to these souls with reverence and respect.
The Amavasya tithi began at 12:07 AM and will last until 1:47 AM on September 22nd. As it falls during the Udaya Tithi (sunrise time), its importance is further amplified.
Sarva Pitru Amavasya is not just a day for offering tributes; it also signifies the end of Pitru Paksha. Rituals performed on this day are believed to bring peace to departed souls and prosperity, health, and happiness to living family members.
Offering prayers and performing Shraddha (rites for the deceased) and Tarpan (offering water to ancestors) on this day are considered highly auspicious.
**How to Observe Sarva Pitru Amavasya:**
* **Early Morning Rituals:** Take a bath at dawn and wear clean clothes. Using water mixed with sesame seeds during the bath is considered auspicious.
* **Feeding the Needy:** It is traditional to offer food to sixteen Brahmins. Feeding cows, dogs, and especially crows is also considered highly meritorious.
* **Charity and Donations:** Donate clothing, money, and food to those in need.
* **Shraddha and Tarpan:** Offer water mixed with sesame seeds to ancestors, facing the south direction with folded hands. Those unable to perform elaborate rituals can offer water with devotion, acknowledging their limitations and seeking forgiveness.
* **Evening Prayers:** Light a lamp at the main entrance of the house and place food offerings nearby. This is done to provide light for the ancestors as they depart and to welcome them respectfully.
**Simple Act of Remembrance:**
Alternatively, individuals can simply offer water mixed with sesame seeds facing south, raise both hands towards the sky, and bow to their ancestors with reverence. This simple act is also believed to bring blessings and prosperity to the home.
First Piper 