Somvati Amavasya, also known as Pithori Amavasya or Sati Amavasya, is a significant Hindu festival that falls on the Amavasya (new moon) day during the Bhadrapada month. This day is dedicated to honouring ancestors and is part of the broader Pitru Paksha period, which is focused on performing rituals to appease ancestral spirits and resolve any Pitru Dosh (ancestral displeasure). Somvati Amavasya offers devotees an opportunity to seek blessings from their ancestors and fulfil their own wishes through dedicated practices. Somvati Amavasya or Bhadrapada Amavasya 2024 Dos and Don'ts: Which Date Is Amavasya in September? What Is Special About Somvati Amavasya? Everything To Know.

Somvati Amavasya 2024: Date & Shubh Muhurat

  • Start of Bhadrapada Krishna Amavasya Tithi: September 2, 2024, at 5:21 AM

  • End of Bhadrapada Krishna Amavasya Tithi: September 3, 2024, at 7:24 AM

  • Brahma Muhurta: 4:29 AM to 5:15 AM

Significance of Somvati Amavasya

Somvati Amavasya is observed to honor Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, and it is considered an auspicious day for performing rituals that involve bathing, making donations, and other devotional practices. The day is especially significant for offering prayers to ancestors, performing shradha (rituals for the deceased), and alleviating Pitru Dosh.

Rituals and Practices on Somvati Amavasya

Early Morning Rituals: Bathing During Brahma Muhurta: It is considered highly auspicious to take a bath during Brahma Muhurta, which is the pre-dawn period when the spiritual atmosphere is believed to be at its peak.

Worship of the Sun God: Begin the day by worshipping the Sun God, followed by paying homage to your ancestors.

Offering to Ancestors: After invoking the presence of ancestors, offer water, black sesame seeds, and white flowers. These offerings are believed to help appease ancestral spirits and invite their blessings.

Tripindi Shradha: Perform Tripindi Shradha, a specific ritual conducted to address Pitru Dosh and bring peace to the souls of ancestors. This ritual is intended to make ancestors happy and seek their blessings. 

Lighting Lamps and Preparing Food

Lamp Lighting: In the evening, light a lamp in the south direction using mustard oil. This practice is believed to please ancestors and enhance spiritual well-being.

Panchbali Karma: Prepare food in the morning and offer a portion to ancestors. This food is symbolically given to animals such as cows, crows, and dogs, as they are considered messengers to the spirit world. This practice, known as Panchbali Karma, helps in satisfying the ancestors.

Charitable Acts: Donations: On Somvati Amavasya, donate white clothes to please ancestors. Additionally, donating grains and fruits to a Brahmin or those in need is also considered a virtuous act that helps earn the blessings of ancestors.

Somvati Amavasya is a day rich in tradition and spiritual significance. By following these practices—such as early morning bathing, performing rituals for ancestors, lighting lamps, and making charitable donations—devotees honour their ancestors, seek their blessings, and strive to resolve any ancestral displeasure. Observing Somvati Amavasya with dedication and sincerity can bring peace, fulfilment, and divine favour into one’s life.

(The information provided here is based on beliefs and legends only. Before applying any information in real life, consult the concerned expert.)

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 02, 2024 01:52 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).