Sarva Pitru Amavasya is a Hindu observance that is also known as Mahalaya or Sarva Pitra Moksha Amavasya. It is the last day of Pitru Paksha, a 15-day period in the Hindu calendar that is dedicated to honoring ancestors. The day is observed on the Amavasya or the New Moon day of the Bhadrapada or Ashwin month. The word Shradh is derived from two Sanskrit words- sat meaning truth and adhar meaning basis. During this period, people perform rituals for the soul of their ancestors to rest in peace, such as pind daan for pitru shanti.

Sarva Pitru Amavasya is highly significant in Hindu religion, and it is believed that the soul of an ancestor visits the house of its descendant with the expectation of shradh or tarpan on this day. It is dedicated to the ancestors whose death anniversary dates may have been forgotten or are unknown. Auspicious events like marriage, starting a new business, entering a new home, etc., should be postponed or done before the period of Pitru Paksha.

Performing the rituals with complete earnestness, utmost sincerity, and respect is essential. Sarva Pitru Amavasya is also known as pitru visarjan amavasya, or mahalaya samapan or mahalaya visarjan. The souls of all ancestors depart on the mahalaya day. The day is highly suitable for people who are not aware of the mrityu tithi of their ancestors or are unable to perform tarpan and pind daan during other days of shradh paksh.

Dos and Donts of Sarva Pitru Amavasya include waking up early, taking a bath, and performing the rituals with complete devotion. It is also believed that performing Pind Daan during this time can help alleviate Pitru Dosh. The day is regarded as an especially auspicious occurrence when it falls on a Saturday.

Sarva Pitru Amavasya 2023 is being observed on October 14, 2023. The Amavasya Tithi begins at 09:50 PM on October 13, 2023. The Kutup Muhurta is from 11.44 am to 12.30 pm, and t...