Sarvapitra Amavasya 2023:7 Rituals to follow on Pitra Amavas, Written By-Rashmi Vajpayee
Sarv Pitra Amavasya is the most significant and the ending of Shraddha Paksha. In 2023, this date is falling on Saturday,14th October. As per the Hindu calendar, Amavasya of Ashwin month is called Pitra Amavasya. It has been said in the sacred texts that the ancestors whose date of death is not known, at that point an individual ought to be worshiped on the arrival of Pitra Amavasya. On this day, Shraddha Paksha ends, and the ancestors who originate from Pitra Lok return to their world. Upon the arrival of Sarv Pitra Amavasya, the Brahmins are satisfied with food, alms, and continue blessing their children, grandkids, and family.
These are the 7 rituals to be performed on the day of Sarva Pitra Amavasya -
Bathing early in the morning of Pitra Amavasya and wearing clean clothes to pay regard to the ancestors. Elder family members ought to perform customs like Pindadan or Tarpan to their families.
2)Offer food to Crows, Cows, and Dogs-
First of all, the food made upon the arrival of Pitra Amavasya must be offered to crows, cows, and dogs. It is accepted that Pitradev comes to eat after taking this form. The crow is viewed as the messenger of Yama(The God of Death).
3) Lighting Diya under Peepal Tree-
It is believed that the Peepal tree is considered the holiest in Hinduism. If you worship Peepal in the Pitra Paksha then it is auspicious. Alongside this, the ancestors are happy by lighting a Diya/Lamp under it frequently or by offering water to it.
4) Provide food to the Brahmins -
It is believed that in the Pitra Paksha, the Brahmins must give food and provide them donations as per your ability. It is said that the most loved food of the individual, for which Shraddha is being performed must be prepared on that day.
5) Lighting the Diya on the roof of the house-
Lighting a Chaumukha Diya for your ancestors on the Amavasya or new moon day. Put this Diya on the roof of the house after sunset and ensure that your face is in the south direction.
Feeding sweet mixed flour to the black ants on Pitra Amavasya spell good fortune. By doing this you will get freedom from all wrongdoings.
7) Feeding the Underprivileged-
Feeding the underprivileged while Shradh puja also brings all auspicious results. Don’t ignore any beggar who comes across you. Serve him food with the same respect you give to Brahmins.
During the entire period of Shraddha Paksha, people carry out their rituals wholeheartedly. It is a Hindu conviction that if birds and creatures eat the offering than it means that the departed soul is glad and has no unfulfilled desires left. You can get free from every sin if you serve them with most loved food.
Originally published at https://indianculturecivilization.blogspot.com on September 15, 2020.
