In Sanatan Dharma, honoring and remembering the ancestors is considered as important as worshiping the deities. The scriptures say –
“Pitru Devo Bhava” meaning, just as parents are regarded as deities, in the same way, after their demise, it is our duty to express gratitude towards them.
Every year, from Bhadrapada Purnima to Ashwin Amavasya, the period is observed as Pitru Paksha or Shraddha Paksha. During these sixteen days, Shraddha, Tarpan, and Pind Daan are performed for the departed ancestors.
The last day of Pitru Paksha is known as Sarva Pitru Amavasya. It is also called Mahalaya Amavasya and Pitru Visarjani Amavasya. This day is dedicated to all those ancestors whose Shraddha could not be performed on specific dates or whose death anniversary is not known.
What is Sarva Pitru Amavasya?
- This Amavasya is the final day of Pitru Paksha.
- On this day, a collective Shraddha and Tarpan are performed for all ancestors.
- It is also called Sarva Pitru Moksha Amavasya, because performing Shraddha on this day grants peace and liberation to all the ancestors.
- If, for some reason, Shraddha could not be performed on the actual tithi of the ancestors during Pitru Paksha, it must be done on this day.
Scriptural and Mythological Importance
- According to the Garuda Purana – without satisfying the ancestors, even the gods do not become pleased.
- In the Mahabharata, it is mentioned that performing Shraddha for ancestors brings happiness and prosperity in the lives of their descendants.
- It is believed that during Pitru Paksha, the souls of ancestors come down to the earth. They expect water, food, and offerings (Tarpan) from their descendants.
- On Amavasya, the ancestors return to their abode. Therefore, by performing Shraddha and Tarpan on the last day, they become pleased and bestow blessings.
When is Sarva Pitru Amavasya in 2025?
According to the Hindu Panchang, Sarva Pitru Amavasya (Mahalaya Amavasya) in 2025 will be observed on Sunday, 21 September 2025.
This day will be considered most auspicious across India for Pitru Tarpan, Pind Daan, and Shraddha.
Why is Sarva Pitru Amavasya Observed?
- This day is for those ancestors whose death anniversary dates are unknown.
- It is also for those ancestors whose Shraddha could not be performed during Pitru Paksha for any reason.
- Performing Shraddha on Pitru Amavasya grants peace and liberation to the souls of ancestors.
- Ancestors, when pleased, bless their descendants with longevity, health, and prosperity.
What is Done on This Day?
1. Morning Bath and Sankalpa
- Take a holy bath in the Brahma Muhurta.
- Perform Achaman with sesame, kush (sacred grass), and water.
- Take a vow (sankalpa) to offer Shraddha and Tarpan to the ancestors.
2. Tarpan Ritual
- Sit on a seat made of kush grass to perform Tarpan.
- Water, sesame seeds, and kush grass are used.
- Water is offered while chanting “Om Pitribhyaḥ Swadhā”.
3. Pind Daan
- Pindas (rice balls) are prepared with boiled rice, sesame seeds, ghee, honey, and curd.
- These are placed on kush grass and offered to the ancestors.
- Later, they are consigned to Brahmins, cows, or a sacred place.
4. Feeding Brahmins and the Poor
- Feeding Brahmins and giving donations is essential for the satisfaction of ancestors.
- Offering food to crows, dogs, ants, cows, and calves is also customary.
5. Charity and Donations
- Donations of food, clothes, sesame seeds, gold, cows, and land are considered most auspicious on Pitru Amavasya.
Benefits of Sarva Pitru Amavasya
- Ancestors attain peace and liberation.
- Pitru Dosha gets removed.
- Brings happiness, peace, and prosperity in the family.
- Bestows children, wealth, and good health.
- Increases the longevity and good fortune of descendants.
Do’s and Don’ts
Do’s:
- Perform Shraddha, Tarpan, and Pind Daan.
- Feed Brahmins, the poor, and the needy.
- Remember ancestors and pray for their peace.
Don’ts:
- Do not consume meat, liquor, or tamasic food.
- Avoid quarrels, loud noises, and impure activities at home.
- Auspicious ceremonies like marriages and housewarmings are prohibited on Pitru Amavasya.
Regional Beliefs
- In North India, bathing and Tarpan in the Ganga and other holy rivers are of great significance.
- In South India, it is called Mahalaya Amavasya, and the worship of Goddess Durga begins on this day.
- In Maharashtra and Gujarat, people also perform Pind Daan on riverbanks.
Pitru Dosha Remedies
According to astrology, those who have Pitru Dosha in their horoscope must perform special worship, donations, and Tarpan on Sarva Pitru Amavasya. This reduces the malefic effects of Pitru Dosha and removes obstacles in life.
Sarva Pitru Amavasya is not only a symbol of our reverence toward ancestors but also a means to bring spiritual balance and family prosperity in life. In 2025, this sacred occasion will fall on 21 September, Sunday. On this day, one must remember their ancestors and perform Tarpan, Pind Daan, and charity Through Shraddha rituals, we acknowledge that our very existence is because of our forefathers, and their blessings make our lives successful and auspicious.