Mahalaya Amavasya 2025 

Mahalaya Amavasya is considered a highly significant day in Sanatan Dharma. It marks the last day of Pitru Paksha (a 16-day lunar period dedicated to ancestors). During Pitru Paksha, rituals like Tarpan, Pind Daan, and Shraddha are performed for the ancestors. On Mahalaya Amavasya, people express gratitude to their ancestors, seek their blessings, and pay homage by remembering their contributions. It is believed that the Tarpan and Shraddha performed on this day satisfy the souls of ancestors and help them progress peacefully. This day reminds us of the cycle of life and death and inspires us to stay connected with our ancestors, traditions, and values. It is also an occasion to pray for the happiness, prosperity, and well-being of future generations. 

What is Mahalaya Amavasya?

Mahalaya Amavasya is also known in Sanatan Dharma as Sarva Pitru Amavasya or Pitra Amavasya. It is the last day of the Krishna Paksha of the Ashwin month and marks the conclusion of Pitru Paksha. It is considered the final day to perform rituals for the peace and salvation of ancestors' souls, after which they return to the Pitru Lok (ancestral realm). This day holds a dual significance. On one hand, it is the last day of Pitru Paksha, when ancestors return to their realm after receiving Shraddha and Tarpan, blessing their descendants with prosperity and happiness. On the other hand, it is also believed to be the day when Goddess Durga descends from Mount Kailash to Earth, marking the beginning of Sharadiya Navratri and Durga Puja celebrations. On this day, Devi Bhagwati is invoked. In Sanskrit, the word Mahalaya is formed from Maha (great/festival) and Alaya (beginning/abode), literally meaning “beginning of the festival” or “great abode.” This name reflects the day’s dual significance — the farewell to ancestors and the welcoming of upcoming festivities. 

Mahalaya Amavasya 2025: Date and Auspicious Timings 

In the year 2025, Mahalaya Amavasya will be observed on Sunday, 21 September 2025. This date marks the conclusion of Pitru Paksha and the beginning of Devi Paksha. 

Start and end of Amavasya Tithi: 

• Tithi Begins: 21 September 2025 at 12:16 AM (midnight) 
• Tithi Ends: 22 September 2025 at 01:23 AM (midnight) 

Special Muhurats for Shraddha and Tarpan:Certain specific muhurats are considered highly auspicious for performing Shraddha and Tarpan rituals for ancestors. Performing these rites during these timings is believed to yield greater spiritual benefit and effectiveness: 

• Kutup Muhurat: 11:50 AM to 12:38 PM 
• Rohina Muhurat: 12:38 PM to 01:27 PM 
• Aparahna Kaal: 01:27 PM to 03:53 PM 

In Sanatan Dharma, the observance of any festival or date is determined based on the presence of that tithi at sunrise, known as Udaya Tithi. Since the Amavasya tithi will be present at sunrise on 21 September, Mahalaya Amavasya will be celebrated on this day. 

The Mythological Story of Mahalaya Amavasya

Mahalaya Amavasya is associated with two prominent mythological narratives that reflect its dual significance: 

The Manifestation of Goddess Durga as Mahishasura Mardini 

According to mythology, Mahalaya Amavasya is linked to the arrival of Goddess Durga on Earth. At a time when the demon Mahishasura had unleashed terror across all three realms, he had received a boon from Lord Brahma that no god or man could kill him. Intoxicated by this power, he attacked the gods and captured heaven. In response to the gods’ prayers, the supreme deities—Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh—combined their powers to create the supreme divine force, Goddess Durga. A fierce battle between Goddess Durga and Mahishasura lasted for nine days. The war was so intense that it shook the Earth. On the tenth day, with her divine weapons and unmatched power, Goddess Durga killed Mahishasura, restoring peace in the heavens and on Earth. Mahalaya is observed as the day when Goddess Durga descended to Earth before this great battle. It marks the day before the beginning of Durga Puja, when her idol is given the final touches and her eyes are drawn, a sacred moment called Chokkhu Daan. 

Liberation of Ancestors and the Importance of Tarpan:Another important aspect of Mahalaya Amavasya is its connection with the ancestors. As per ancient texts, during the fierce battles between gods and demons, many sages and divine beings lost their lives. The day of Mahalaya was chosen to offer tarpan (libations) to these departed souls. This day holds special importance for those who do not know the exact death anniversaries of their ancestors. Performing tarpan on Mahalaya Amavasya is believed to grant peace and liberation to all departed ancestors. It ensures their blessings upon the family and relieves any ancestral defects (Pitru Dosha). This day is regarded as the final opportunity to satisfy and send the ancestors back peacefully to Pitra Lok. 

Rituals of Mahalaya Amavasya

On Mahalaya Amavasya, two primary types of rituals are performed: Shraddha and Tarpan for ancestors, and invocation of Goddess Durga's arrival. 

1. Shraddha and Tarpan for Ancestors: This is the most significant ritual of Mahalaya Amavasya. On this day, Shraddha is performed for all ancestors whose death occurred on Amavasya, Purnima, or Chaturdashi, or if the exact death date is unknown. One should wake up early and bathe in a holy river, reservoir, or pond. If not possible, Ganga water can be mixed in the bathwater at home. After bathing, wear clean clothes and face the south direction to offer water (tarpan) to the ancestors. For tarpan, water is taken in a vessel and mixed with kusha grass, sesame seeds, and grains. While invoking the ancestors, this water is offered to them. Pind daan is also an important part, where round offerings made from barley flour, sesame seeds, and rice are presented to the ancestors. 
2. Brahmin Feeding and Donations: After the Shraddha rituals, a sattvic meal is prepared in the name of the ancestors, including puris, kheer, vegetables, and rice. A portion of this food is offered facing south. Then, a deserving Brahmin is fed and given donations along with respect. Donations may include cow’s milk and ghee, grains, or clothes, which are considered highly auspicious. 
3. Feeding Animals and Birds: Feeding cows, dogs, ants, and crows is considered highly virtuous on this day, as they are believed to be associated with the ancestors. Doing so brings blessings from the departed souls.
4. Evening Rituals: In the evening, a mustard oil lamp should be lit at the entrance of the home and offered with puris and sweets. It is believed that the light of this lamp shows the way for the ancestors to return to their realm, and they leave the home with satisfaction. Lighting a cow ghee lamp in the northeast corner of the house also brings prosperity and peace. 
5. Invocation of Goddess Durga: Along with the conclusion of Pitru Paksha, Mahalaya Amavasya marks the arrival of Goddess Durga. In Bengal, especially, the Mahishasura Mardini recitation is heard, narrating the glory of the goddess and her victory over Mahishasura. It symbolizes the beginning of Devi Paksha and sets the tone for the upcoming Durga Puja festivities. 

Benefits of Mahalaya Amavasya

Rituals performed on Mahalaya Amavasya bring multiple benefits, both material and spiritual: 

• Freedom from Pitra Dosha: This day offers a significant opportunity to get relief from Pitru Dosha. Those afflicted by Pitru Dosha face various obstacles in life. Performing Shraddha and Tarpan on this day helps remove these doshas and grants peace to the ancestors’ souls. 

• Blessings from Ancestors: Through Shraddha, Tarpan, and charity, ancestors are satisfied and bestow blessings of prosperity, protection, and salvation upon their descendants. This brings peace, happiness, and progress in life. 

• Salvation for Unknown Ancestors: If someone does not know the exact death dates of their ancestors or missed performing Tarpan during Pitru Paksha, then performing Shraddha on Mahalaya Amavasya grants salvation to all such forgotten souls. 

• Beginning of Festivities: This day marks the beginning of grand festivals like Sharadiya Navratri and Durga Puja. Satisfying the ancestors and then starting the worship of the Goddess brings a sense of completeness and auspiciousness. 

• Attainment of Merit: Charity and good deeds done on this day are considered highly fruitful. Feeding the poor, Brahmins, and animals and birds increases one’s store of good karma. 

• Family Happiness and Peace: Receiving the ancestors’ blessings brings harmony, prosperity, and peace within the family. 

Mahalaya Amavasya Puja Vidhi

The ritual process for Mahalaya Amavasya can be divided into three phases: morning, afternoon, and evening. 

• Morning Puja: 

1. Bath and Purification: Wake up early, take a bath, and wear clean clothes. If possible, bathe in a holy river or mix Ganga water in your bath at home. Purify the puja area with Ganga water and Panchamrit. 

2. Offering Arghya to the Sun: After bathing, offer Arghya to Lord Surya (the Sun). 

3. Invocation of Ancestors: Place photos of ancestors at the puja spot. Sit facing south and remember the ancestors, praying for the peace of their souls. 

4. Tarpan: Take a vessel and mix water, Kusha grass, sesame seeds, and grains (barley, black sesame). While invoking the ancestors, offer water by pouring it between the thumb and forefinger. 

• Afternoon Puja (Shraddha Rituals): 

1. Prepare Food: Cook satvik food for the ancestors in the afternoon. Do not use any tamasic items. Main dishes include puri, kheer, vegetables, rice, etc. 

2. Pind Daan: Prepare Pinds using barley flour, sesame seeds, and rice. Take Kusha grass, barley, black sesame, rice grains, and water in hand, and make a vow (Sankalp). 

3. Offer Food to Ancestors: Take a portion of the prepared food and place it in the south direction in the name of the ancestors. 

4. Feed Brahmins: Serve food to a deserving Brahmin or a needy person. Give them Dakshina and seek their blessings. 

5. Feed Animals and Birds: Feed cows, dogs, ants, and crows. Donating green fodder is also considered auspicious. 

• Evening Puja: 

1. Light a Lamp: In the evening, light a mustard oil lamp at the entrance of the house and place puri and sweets beside it. 

2. Lamp in the Northeast: Light a cow ghee lamp at the puja spot in the northeast corner (Ishan Kon) of the house. 

3. Night Vigil and Story Recitation: Stay awake at night and read stories of ancestors or recite the Gita or Garuda Purana. 

Mahalaya Amavasya Mantra Japa:

On Mahalaya Amavasya, special mantras are chanted for the peace and blessings of ancestors: 

• Sankalp Mantra: "Om adya shruti-smriti-puranoKta... tarpanam cha aham karishye." 

• Pitra Gayatri Mantra: "Om Pitra Ganaya Vidmahe, Jagat Dharine Dhimahi, Tanno Pitaro Prachodayat." 

• Swadha Devi Mantra: "Om Hreem Shreem Kleem Swadhadevyaay Swaaha." 

• Gayatri Mantra: "Om Bhoor Bhuvah Swah, Tat Savitur Varenyam, Bhargo Devasya Dheemahi, Dhiyo Yo Nah Prachodayat." 

Significance of Mahalaya Amavasya 

• Freedom from Pitru Rina (ancestral debt): This day is considered the final opportunity to repay ancestral debt and express gratitude towards the ancestors. By performing Shraddha and Tarpan, one honors the tradition of acknowledging the contribution of forefathers and continuing the lineage. 

• Spiritual purification: Satisfying the ancestors removes obstacles from one’s life and brings spiritual peace. This day is very important for self-purification and the flow of positive energy. 

• Welcoming the Goddess: Mahalaya Amavasya marks the arrival of Goddess Durga on earth. It symbolizes the beginning of the Durga Puja festival, which is a celebration of the worship of Shakti and the victory of good over evil. Bidding farewell to the ancestors and welcoming the Goddess signifies a complete and auspicious transition. 

• Connection between generations: This day is a way to express gratitude towards previous generations who have contributed in various forms to our lives. The language we speak, the way we sit, our clothing, our buildings — almost everything we know today has come to us from our ancestors. 

• Path to salvation: Performing Shraddha and Tarpan on this day grants salvation to ancestors, especially to those whose death dates are unknown or for whom Shraddha was not performed earlier. 

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is Mahalaya Amavasya celebrated?Mahalaya Amavasya is observed for two main reasons: First, it marks the final day of Pitru Paksha when ancestors are offered Shraddha and Tarpan for their liberation (moksha) and to receive their blessings. Second, it is believed to be the day of Goddess Durga’s arrival on Earth, signaling the beginning of Sharadiya Navratri and the Durga Puja festival. 

2. What to do and what not to do on Mahalaya Amavasya? 

Do’s: 

· Wake up early and take a bath, preferably in a sacred river or by mixing Ganga water at home. 

· Offer water facing south and perform Tarpan for ancestors. 

· Prepare Satvik food for ancestors. 

· Feed a qualified Brahmin and offer charity/Dakshina. 

· Feed cow, dog, ants, and crows. 

· In the evening, light a mustard oil lamp at the door and offer puri and sweets. 

· Chant Pitru Gayatri Mantra and Swadha Devi Mantras. 

· Read chapters from the Gita or Garuda Purana. 

· Keep the home clean. 

Don'ts: 

· Do not consume tamasic food. 

· Avoid quarrels or speaking harshly. 

· Do not harm animals like cows, dogs, or crows. 

· Avoid lying and try to keep the mind calm. 

· Observe celibacy. 

· Avoid eating at someone else’s house. 

· Never speak ill of ancestors. 

3. How to perform Mahalaya Amavasya puja at home?After bathing in the morning and wearing clean clothes, sit facing south and offer water to ancestors. Prepare satvik food (like puri, kheer, sabzi, rice), take out a portion in the name of ancestors, and place it in the southern direction. Then feed a Brahmin, the poor, a cow, dog, and crow. In the evening, light a lamp in the southern direction, chant mantras, and recite stories about the ancestors. 

4. Which deity is worshipped on Mahalaya Amavasya?On Mahalaya Amavasya, the primary focus is worship of ancestors through Shraddha and Tarpan, seeking peace and liberation for their souls. Along with this, it also marks the arrival of Goddess Durga on Earth, so her invocation is also done. According to the Brahma Purana, worship of ancestors should be done before the worship of deities, as it pleases the gods as well. 

5. How is Mahalaya Amavasya celebrated across different states in India?Mahalaya Amavasya is celebrated across India as ‘Sarva Pitru Amavasya’, focusing on Shraddha and Tarpan for ancestors. However, it holds special significance in West Bengal, where it marks the beginning of Durga Pujafestivities. The Mahishasura Mardini chant is played in Bengali communities, and the final touches are given to the idol of Maa Durga. In cities like Ranchi (Jharkhand), the Bengali community organizes special eventsfor this day. 

6. What should one wear on Mahalaya Amavasya?Clean and sacred clothing should be worn on this day. Light-colored clothes, especially white or yellow, are considered auspicious as they symbolize peace and purity. Avoid dark or flashy colors. 

7. What should be eaten on Mahalaya Amavasya?Only satvik food should be consumed. This includes puri, kheer, vegetables, and rice. Tamasic food must be strictly avoided. Items like chickpeas, mustard greens, radish, bottle gourd, cucumber, barley, masoor dal, and black salt are also prohibited. One should also avoid eating at someone else’s home. 

8. What to wear on the day of Mahalaya Amavasya?On this spiritually significant day, wearing light-colored clothes such as white, cream, or light yellow is considered auspicious, reflecting peace and purity. White clothes are especially preferred. Men can wear traditional dhoti-kurta or simple kurta-pajama, while women may opt for light-colored sarees or cotton salwar-kurta. This simplicity and purity in clothing shows respect and reverence toward ancestors and helps keep the mind calm and focused. 

On Mahalaya Amavasya, special worship of Swadha Devi, the presiding deity of ancestors, is performed. The chanting of the Swadha mantra during Shraddha, Tarpan, and Pind Daan acts as a medium to deliver the offerings to the ancestors. On this day, Isha Foundation also conducts special rituals like Kaalabhairava Shanti and Agni Arpanam for ancestral peace. Mahalaya Amavasya signifies the culmination of Pitru Paksha and the beginning of Devi Paksha, offering us a chance to express gratitude to our ancestors while welcoming the divine feminine energy of Maa Durga.