Sun Sep 21 03:00:00 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
**Sarva Pitru Amavasya: A Day of Remembrance and Farewell to Ancestors**
**New Delhi, [Date – Assumed to be today]:** Sarva Pitru Amavasya, a day deeply significant in Hindu tradition for honoring and bidding farewell to departed ancestors (Pitras), falls on September 21st. This year, the auspicious time for offering Tarpan (libations) and performing Shradh (ancestral rites) has been outlined, providing devotees with precise timings to pay their respects.
Sarva Pitru Amavasya marks the culmination of Pitru Paksha, a fortnight dedicated to remembering and appeasing ancestors. It is believed that performing Shradh on this day brings salvation to the Pitras, especially those for whom rites could not be performed during the rest of the fortnight. This Amavasya is also significant as it marks the formal farewell to the ancestors, as it is the last day of Pitru Paksha.
**Key Timings for Tarpan and Shradh (September 21st):**
* **Kutup Muhurat:** 12:07 PM to 12:56 PM
* **Rohin Muhurat:** 12:56 PM to 01:44 PM
* **Aprahan Kaal:** 01:44 PM to 04:10 PM
**Rituals and Observances:**
Devotees are advised to take a purifying bath and wear clean clothes. The Shradh should be performed in a clean space, facing the south direction. Tarpan is offered using a mixture of water, milk, and black sesame seeds. Pind Daan, the offering of rice balls mixed with barley, sesame and milk, is also an important part of the ritual.
A sattvic (pure vegetarian) meal is prepared in the name of the ancestors. Portions of this food are offered to cows, crows, dogs, ants, and deities. Brahmins (priests) are then invited for a meal, offered Dakshina (monetary offerings), and shown respect. Charity, including the donation of clothes and essential items, is also encouraged.
In the evening, devotees prepare a sattvic meal for the ancestors and offer it with sweets at the base of a Peepal tree. A four-faced oil lamp is lit, and prayers are offered, expressing gratitude and seeking forgiveness for any unintentional errors. Finally, the ancestors are bid farewell with reverence.
**Items for Donation (Daan Tokri):**
As Sarva Pitru Amavasya marks the end of Pitru Paksha, the donation is considered auspicious. A “Daan Tokri” may include:
* White or yellow cloth (dhoti, etc.)
* Green vegetables (gourd, pumpkin, etc.)
* Copper or brass utensils (vessel, plate, etc.)
* Money for Dakshina
* Jaggery, khil, or sweets
By observing these rituals with sincerity and devotion, individuals can seek the blessings of their ancestors and ensure peace and prosperity in their lives.