Sarvapitri Amavasya is the last day of Pitru Paksha, a period of 16 days when Hindus pay respect and homage to their ancestors every year. This year, Sarvapitri Amavasya falls on October 14, 2023. Here are some things to do and avoid on this day:
Dos:
- Offer prayers to your ancestors.
- Perform rituals of Shradh by offering flowers, food, dhoop, and diya.
- Offer black sesame seeds, which are considered appropriate for performing activities related to our ancestors.
- Offer a mixture of water and barley, which is called Tarpan, and also has flour, Kusha grass, and black sesame.
- Perform acts of charity, such as making donations.
Donts:
- Dont eat chickpeas, red lentils, green mustard leaves, barley, cumin seeds, radish, black salt, gourd, cucumber, and stale meal on this day.
- Dont insult any living being visiting your home on Sarvapitri Amavasya.
Sarvapitri Amavasya is highly suitable for people who are not aware of the mrityu tithi of their ancestors or are unable to perform tarpan and pind daan during other days of shradh paksh. It is also known as pitru visarjan amavasya, mahalaya samapan, or mahalaya visarjan. The rituals should only be performed under the special guidance of a knowledgeable priest, and special mantras are recited to invoke the blessings of the forefathers. Auspicious events like marriage, starting a new business, entering a new home, etc., should be postponed or done before the period of Pitru Paksha.
