Mahalaya Amavasya is a traditional day in the Hindu calendar that is intended to honour our ancestors or pitra. It is observed on the 15th day of Sharadh, the new moon day called Mahalaya Paksha. Here are some things you can do during Mahalaya Amavasya:
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Offerings to ancestors: Family members must make sharadh or tarpan to the departed ancestors to eradicate ancestral doshas and bad karma. This is a gesture of appreciation towards the ancestors and earlier generations.
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Charity: Give at least one packet of food to a poor person on each day of the Ancestor Fortnight.
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Food offering: On the day of Mahalaya Amavasya, prepare rice balls with sesame seeds mixed in it and offer it to the crows and cows. It is believed that during Pitru Paksha, the ancestors visit the earth to get offerings from their families.
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Kalabhairava Shanthi: This is an annual process conducted at Linga Bhairavi on the auspicious night of Mahalaya Amavasya for the wellbeing of ancestors and departed relatives. For the process, a photo of the departed relative(s), with name and dates of birth & death are required.
Mahalaya Amavasya is a day dedicated to your ancestors. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to seek blessings from our departed ancestors and change the world for the better.
