Amavasya October 2024 Date: When Is Mahalaya Amavasya? Know Shraddha Ritual Timings, Amavasya Tithi and Significance To Pay Homage to Ancestors

October Amavasya, also known as Mahalaya Amavasya or Pitru Paksha Amavasya, is a deeply significant occasion in the Hindu calendar that is dedicated to paying homage to one’s ancestors. The day marks the culmination of Pitru Paksha, a 15-day period devoted to performing rituals and offering prayers for the departed souls of family members, seeking peace and liberation of them. Mahalaya Amavasya 2024 falls on October 2, marking the end of Pitru Paksha. In this article, we’ll learn about Mahalaya Amavasya 2024 date, significance and rituals. When Is Mahalaya 2024? Know Pitru Paksha Dates, Mahalaya Amavasya Rituals, Puja Vidhi and Significance That Marks the Start of Durga Puja Festival.

Mahalaya Amavasya 2024 Date and Tithi

Mahalaya Amavasya 2024 falls on October 2. The Amavasya Tithi begins on October 1 at 9:39 PM and ends on October 3 at 12:18 AM. Qutup Muhurta is from 11:12 AM to 12:00 PM, and Rauhin Muhurta is from 12:00 PM to 12:47 PM. Afternoon time starts from 12:47 PM and ends at 03:11 PM. These times are considered significant for these rituals.

Mahalaya Amavasya Significance

Mahalaya Amavasya holds great spiritual significance for Hindus. It is believed that during Pitru Paksha, the souls of ancestors come down to the earthy realm and await offerings and prayers from their descendants. Mahalaya Amavasya is considered the most powerful day to perform Shradh and Tarpan for the peace and liberation of their souls.

The day is also closely tied to Mahalaya, which marks the advent of Durga Puja celebrations, especially in Bengal. Goddess Durga begins her journey from her heavenly abode to Earth on this day. As the final day of Pitru Paksha, Mahalaya Amavasya represents the end of mourning and the beginning of celebration, devotion, and the worship of Goddess Durga.

Mahalaya Amavasya Rituals

On Mahalaya Amavasya, several rituals are performed to honour the deceased and ensure their souls attain peace. The main rituals include:

Shradh: This is the central ritual of Mahalaya Amavasya, where offerings of food, rice, and water are made to the departed souls.

Tarpan: Tarpan is the act of offering water to the souls of ancestors. While they offer Tarpan, they chant mantras to invoke peace for them.

Pinda Daan: Pindas, which are rice balls, are offered to the departed souls. This is another essential aspect of the Shradh ceremony, symbolizing nourishment for the spirits in their afterlife.

Mahalaya Amavasya 2024 is a day rich in tradition, faith, and spirituality. It offers an opportunity to reconnect with one’s ancestors, seek their blessings, and ensure their peace. As the day concludes the period of Pitru Paksha and heralds the beginning of Devi Paksha, it also ushers in the grand festival of Durga Puja, bringing with it hope, joy, and divine protection.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 27, 2024 10:04 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).