India (Commonwealth Union)_ On September 21, Hindus around the world honored Mahalaya Amavasya, a very spiritual day commemorating the end of Pitru Paksha. It is a fortnight dedicated to remembering and honoring the ancestors. This day holds great cultural and religious significance in Hindu tradition, as families perform specific rituals to seek blessings from departed spirits and prepare for the arrival of the happy Devi Paksha. The ritual is based on the belief that offering prayers and food to ancestors provides families prosperity, good health, and peace.
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Some of the common ceremonies are Tarpan, Shraddh, and Pind Daan. These rites come with the use of offerings of water, food items, and symbolic items such as rice balls and sesame seeds. These rites are normally performed by the senior-most male in the family. The devotee can also feed Brahmanas and crows in honor of the dearly departed, as these beings are messengers of Lord Yama, god of death. Many, while performing these important rites of passage, choose to wear rings made of kush grass as representations of mercy and purity. Religious chants and devotional songs spread devotion in temples and homes on these occasions, with the most common being the traditional chanting of the Chandi Path in honor of Goddess Durga’s triumph over evil.
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Mahalaya is also seen as the beginning of the Durga Puja season. According to tales, this is the day when Goddess Durga leaves her heavenly abode in Kailash and begins her journey to Earth, welcomed with prayers and music. The change from Pitru Paksha to Devi Paksha represents a shift from remembrance to joy. On this solemn but hopeful day, Hindus also pray to Lord Vishnu and Lord Yama. Lord Vishnu is adored for his protection and harmony, whereas Lord Yama is regarded as the guardian of the soul’s path after death.
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The epic Mahabharata is the source of a famous story that is linked to this special day. It was said that warrior Karna entered paradise after his death but was offered only wealth instead of food. When he inquired about this, he was told that while living, he donated only wealth but never fed the poor. Hence, he was given 15 days to return to Earth to feed people and execute the appropriate ceremonies for his forefathers, which is now known as Pitru Paksha, with Mahalaya Amavasya marking its end. Mahalaya Amavasya informs people of their roots and the spiritual tie that unites generations past and present.
