Sarva Pitru Amavasya falls on October 14.
When a person is unsure of the exact date of their ancestors’ death, they can observe their Shraddha rituals on the day of Sarva Pitru Amavasya Tithi.
Hindus observe a 15-day period called Pitru Paksha in the Bhadrapada month, falling between August and October every year, to honour their ancestors. As per Udayatithi, Sarva Pitru Amavasya falls on for October 14. The Amavasya Tithi will start on October 13 at 9:50 p.m. and conclude on October 14 at 11:24 p.m.
This observance spans from Purnima to Amavasya, depending on whether the ancestors passed away during Krishna Paksha or Shukla Paksha. It is believed that during this time, departed ancestors visit their descendants. In the Hindu calendar, Pitru Paksha holds significance, with emphasis on the Amavasya. This is why, when a person is unsure of the exact date of their ancestors’ death, they can observe their Shraddha rituals on the day of Sarva Pitru Amavasya Tithi.
As per the Hindu calendar, this year, Sarva Pitru Amavasya falls on a Saturday, which is regarded as an especially auspicious occurrence. According to religious beliefs, conducting ancestral rituals on this day is a way to honour and please one’s forebears.
Performing Pind Daan during this time can help alleviate Pitru Dosh. Nevertheless, taking specific measures on Sarva Pitru Amavasya Tithi can not only invite blessings from one’s ancestors but also invoke the blessings of Shanidev.
Astrologer Pandit Kalki Ram from Ayodhya highlights that Pitru Paksha is ending, with Pitru Amavasya occurring on October 14. Performing the following rituals on Amavasya Tithi is thought to bring peace and salvation to ancestors, and the added significance lies in its occurrence on a Saturday.
- For Sarva Pitru Amavasya, wake up early, bathe, meditate, wear clean clothes and offer water to the sacred Peepal tree.
- Feeding crows on the Amavasya date of Pitru Paksha is highly auspicious and pleases Shanidev. This practice also brings favour from the nine planets.
- Feeding a black cow bread with mustard oil on Sarpa Pitru Amavasya pleases Shanidev.
- If you can’t find a black cow on this day, you can apply mustard oil to any cow and feed it roti.
- Lighting a mustard oil lamp beneath the Peepal tree on Sarpa Pitru Amavasya is also considered highly auspicious.
- Donate and provide meals to the needy. This gesture is a sure way to please Shanidev on this auspicious day.
