Karmandir 
Why it is celebrated
Ashwin Amavasya, also called Mahalaya Amavasya, is the last day of Pitru Paksha. Shraddh for all ancestors can be done today, especially for those whose tithi is not known or whose shraddh was missed. The ancestors are given a loving farewell, and Sharad Navratri begins the next day.
The story
The Matsya Purana tells a story about the Amavasya tithi. Achhoda was a daughter born from the minds of the pitrs, the ancestors. She did hard tapasya for thousands of years. Pleased with her, the pitrs came to bless her.
Among them was a radiant young pitr named Amavasu. On seeing him, Achhoda's mind drifted from her tapasya, and she said she wished to marry him. Because her mind wavered in the middle of her tapasya, Achhoda began to fall from her heavenly home. Full of sorrow, she called out to the pitrs for help.
The pitrs were kind, like parents. They told her that her tapasya would not go to waste. On earth she would be born as Satyavati, and her son would be the great sage Ved Vyas, who would divide the Vedas into four.
This story links the name Amavasya with the pitr Amavasu, and since then this tithi has been seen as especially dear to the ancestors. That is why, on the Amavasya of Pitru Paksha, all the ancestors are remembered together with love.
Puja vidhi
- Bathe in the morning and remember the ancestors; offer tarpan at a holy river if you can, or at home.
- Facing south, offer tarpan with water, black sesame and kusha grass in the name of all the ancestors.
- Cook a sattvic meal and set aside panchbali: portions for the cow, dog, crow, the devtas and ants.
- Feed a brahmin or someone in need, and give food, clothes or daan as you are able.
- Pray from the heart for all the ancestors too whose names or tithis are not remembered.
- In the evening, light a lamp at the door in the ancestors' name and bid them farewell with folded hands.
Food
Kheer, puri, a simple sabzi and the ancestors' favourite dishes; sattvic food without onion or garlic.
Wishes to send
On Sarva Pitru Amavasya, we bow to all our ancestors. May their blessings always be with us.
WhatsAppToday let us lovingly remember even those whose tithi we do not know. Respectful pranam to all our ancestors.
WhatsAppLet us bid the ancestors a loving farewell and welcome Maa Durga tomorrow. On Mahalaya, we bow to all our ancestors.
WhatsAppTonight, one lamp for all those who gave us this life and our values.
WhatsAppThe memory of our ancestors is the root of our lives. Heartfelt salutations to them on Sarva Pitru Amavasya.
WhatsAppGiving food and water and respecting our elders: this is the truest tribute to our ancestors.
WhatsApp
