Culture plays a significant role in our lives, and in Hindu traditions, paying respect to ancestors holds special importance. Among these rituals, Sarva Pitru Amavasya is considered highly sacred. This day marks the culmination of Pitru Paksha, a 16-day period dedicated to honoring the souls of deceased ancestors. In 2025, Sarva Pitru Amavasya falls on Saturday, 21st September.

Sarva Pitru Amavasya 2025: Date & Time

Amavasya Tithi:

Begins: 12:16 AM, 21 September 2025

Ends: 01:23 AM, 22 September 2025

Auspicious Muhurats on Sarva Pitru Amavasya:

Kutup Muhurat: 11:50 AM – 12:39 PM (49 mins)

Rohina Muhurat: 12:39 PM – 1:28 PM (49 mins)

Aparahna Kaal: 1:28 PM – 3:49 PM (2 hours 26 mins)

Explore more: Today’s Panchang

Significance of Sarva Pitru Amavasya

Pitru Paksha occurs every year during the Bhadrapada month, lasting 16 days from Purnima to Amavasya. This period is dedicated to performing Shradh, rituals meant to honor deceased ancestors, irrespective of when they passed away.

The last day of this period, Sarva Pitru Amavasya, is particularly significant. Its name translates to "all ancestors," making it a day to pay homage to forefathers whose death anniversaries are unknown or forgotten. Performing Shradh on this day is believed to please all ancestors, helping their souls attain peace and granting blessings to the living.

In different regions, Sarva Pitru Amavasya is also known as:

Mahalaya Amavasya (Bengal) – marks the start of Durga Puja

Pitru Visarjini Amavasya – signifies the final day of ancestor rituals

Beginning of the Bathukamma Festival in Telangana

Read  Also: Karwa Chauth 2025

Rituals and Practices of Sarva Pitru Amavasya

Pitru Paksha starts on 7 September 2025 and ends with Sarva Pitru Amavasya. Rituals may vary by region, but the focus is on ensuring peace for departed souls through offerings such as Pind Daan (rice, barley, sesame balls) and Tarpan (water and barley mixture).

Key Ritual Steps:

• Wake up early, take a bath, and wear clean traditional attire (dhoti for men; yellow-colored clothes for ritual performers).

• Wear a ring made from Kusha grass.

• Perform Pind Daan and Shradh, ideally guided by a knowledgeable priest.

• Prepare sattvik (pure vegetarian) food, including kheer, as offerings.

• Invite Brahmins for prayers and feed them with devotion, sprinkling sesame seeds where they sit.

• Offer prayers, flowers, diya, dhoop, and water-barley mixture (Tarpan) to ancestors.

• Serve food to Brahmins and donate to the needy.

Important Considerations:

• Shradh is traditionally performed by the eldest son or male family member.

• Only vegetarian food is allowed; avoid onions, garlic, and non-vegetarian items.

• Avoid starting new ventures, shaving, or wearing new clothes during this period.

Spiritual and Astrological Importance

Performing Shradh ensures peace for ancestors’ souls and brings blessings of wealth, health, and prosperity to the living.

Observing Sarva Pitru Amavasya helps alleviate Pitru Dosha, a karmic imbalance inherited from ancestors.

Feeding crows and cows is considered auspicious, as crows are regarded as messengers of Lord Yama.

Summary

Sarva Pitru Amavasya is not just a ritual; it is a day of devotion, remembrance, and gratitude toward our ancestors. Whether it is Mahalaya in Bengal or Pitru Visarjini in other regions, the essence remains the same—honoring forefathers and seeking their blessings.

Upcoming Festivals: Sharidya Navratri → Durga Puja → Dussehra → Dhanteras → Diwali