Sarva PanchangSarva Panchang
Amavasya

Mahalaya Amavasya

Also called: Sarva Pitru Amavasya, Pitru Moksha Amavasya

The crowning day of the entire ancestral cycle, concluding the sixteen-day period of Pitru Paksha. It is an all-inclusive day of Tarpan and Shraddha for all departed souls whose tithis of passing are unknown, forgotten, or across multiple family lineages.

Key facts

Paksha
Krishna Paksha
Lunar month
Bhadrapada (Amanta); Ashwin (Purnimanta)
Deities
All Departed Ancestors (Pitrus), Yama Dev, Lord Vishnu

The story

A popular legend tells that when the generous warrior Karna reached heaven after his death, he was offered gold and jewels instead of food, because in life he had given away gold but never food or water in memory of his ancestors. He was allowed to return to earth for fifteen days to make amends, offered food and water to his ancestors, and was then at peace. That fortnight is remembered as Pitru Paksha.

Practices

  • Performing comprehensive Tarpan and Pinda Daan along riverbanks or at home
  • Offering food to five entities (Pancha Bali): cows, crows, dogs, ants, and the devas
  • Lighting a sesame oil lamp in the evening facing south to guide departed souls
  • Serving a full vegetarian feast to Brahmins and seekers

Regional variations

  • In Bengal, dawn marks the iconic Mahishasuramardini radio invocation by Birendra Krishna Bhadra, welcoming Goddess Durga for Durga Puja

Common questions

Who should perform Shraddha on Sarva Pitru Amavasya?
Anyone whose ancestors passed away on Amavasya, whose death dates are forgotten, or who missed performing rites on earlier Pitru Paksha days.

Types of Amavasya