Sarva Pitru Amavasya is a major Hindu festival which is being celebrated this year on October 2, 2024. Devotees honor their dead ancestors on this day. This reflects the conclusion of 16 day Pitru PakshaDuring which it is believed that the souls of ancestors undertake an earthly journey. Families perform rituals to ensure that these spirits find peace and liberation.
Shraddha rituals are performed so that these souls can be freed and reach “moksha”. Through “Pind Daan”, these rituals help in satisfying the hunger of these spirits.
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Sarva Pitru Amavasya 2024: Rituals
On this day, usually the eldest male member of the family organizes the ceremony. Apart from taking a holy bath and wearing clean clothes, ideally a dhoti and sacred thread, or janeu; The person performs Shraddha. Durva grass ring is also worn during ceremonies.
Ants, dogs, crows and cows are all given food. People participate in charitable work by providing food, clothing and donations to the underprivileged. Offering tarpan to the deceased family members and then performing pind daan are the two main components of the ritual. The offerings are either thrown to the crows or floated in the river.
A Brahmin is the first to receive the prepared food before the family members eat. On this day, many people donate or make donations, and some people observe a fast.
Importance of donation on Sarva Pitru Amavasya
Sarva Pitru Amavasya also focuses on charity and helping the underprivileged. An important component of the celebration is donating money, food and clothes to the underprivileged. It is believed that donating generously leads to spiritual growth and brings blessings from ancestors for the giver.
Role of Gods in Sarva Pitru Amavasya
During this event, devotees worship Lord Vishnu and Yama, the Hindu god of death. These deities are necessary to assist the souls on the path to liberation or “moksha”. During the ritual his blessings are requested to ensure the peace of the departed souls and the safety of the surviving family members.
first published: 01 October 2024 | 4:25 pm First
