Thai Amavasai

Thai Amavasai is a highly auspicious new moon day that falls in the Tamil month of Thai (January-February). On this day, performing rituals such as Shraadh, Tarpan, and worship of ancestors holds special significance. It is considered extremely auspicious to conduct Tarpan, Pind Daan, and ancestor worship on this day. It is believed that the rituals, donations, and Tarpan performed on this auspicious date help in bringing peace and liberation to the ancestors' souls. As a result, many people travel to sacred places like Rameswaram, Kanyakumari, and other holy sites on this day to conduct rituals for the peace of their ancestors' souls and to seek their blessings.

Where and How to Perform Tarpan and Shradh:

There is no specific ritual required for performing Shradh and Tarpan on Thai Amavasai; you can conduct these ceremonies according to your convenience and capability anywhere. However, it is essential to note that performing Shradh and Tarpan under the guidance of an experienced priest on this auspicious day is considered beneficial. Mistakes made during the Shradh ceremony could potentially displease the ancestors, leading to issues like Pitra Dosha. While Shradh and Tarpan are most auspicious when performed on the banks of sacred rivers or water bodies, people often gather at renowned pilgrimage sites and holy riverbanks on Thai Amavasai to perform these rituals.

Significance of Performing Tarpan on Thai Amavasya:

The Amavasya falling in the Thai month is the first Amavasya during the sun's northward movement (Uttarayana). Since performing rituals during the sun's Uttarayana is considered extremely auspicious, offering Tarpan, Homa, and Pind Daan on this day yields double the benefits. It is believed that on this auspicious day, ancestors come to bless their descendants. Therefore, offering Pind Daan and performing rituals for the ancestors on this day makes them pleased, resulting in the blessings of the forefathers. Those who perform Shradh for their ancestors on Thai Amavasai help their ancestors attain moksha easily and relieve them from the sufferings in Yamaloka.

Benefits of Performing Tarpan on Thai Amavasya:

On Thai Amavasai, it is essential to observe a fast for the peace of the ancestors' souls. Performing Shradh and Pind Daan for the ancestors can help in overcoming financial and mental difficulties in life. Additionally, offering Pind Daan to the ancestors brings the blessing of progeny. On this day, donating food, money, clothing, and other essentials to the needy and helpless pleases the ancestors. Such acts of charity also help in mitigating the harmful effects of ancestral and Saturn-related doshas.