Mahalaya Amabasya
OdiaAlso known as: Mahalaya, Sarva Pitru Amavasya
Mahalaya Amabasya
About Mahalaya Amabasya
Mahalaya Amabasya marks the beginning of Devi Paksha and the end of Pitri Paksha, falling on the new moon day of Ashvin month (September-October). It heralds the arrival of Durga Puja.
Devotees perform Tarpan (water offerings to ancestors) at rivers and water bodies, paying respects to departed souls. The ritual is believed to provide salvation to the ancestors.
In Odisha, Mahalaya is also significant for the final painting of Durga idols by artisans, a tradition known as Chakshu Daan (offering of the eyes).
The day is famous for the early morning Chandipath (recitation from Chandi) broadcast, which families listen to at dawn.
Vrat Vidhi & Fasting Rules
Devotees observe a light fast and perform Tarpan rituals for ancestors.
- Wake up before sunrise and listen to Chandipath.
- Visit a river or water body for Tarpan.
- Offer water mixed with sesame seeds to ancestors.
- Break the fast after completing Tarpan.
Parana (Breaking Fast) Note: The fast is broken after the Tarpan rituals with traditional food.
Puja Samagri & Ritual Steps
- Wake before sunrise and listen to Chandipath.
- Visit a sacred water body.
- Perform Tarpan by offering water and sesame to ancestors.
- Offer pinda daan and prayers.
- Return home and break the fast.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Mahalaya marks the beginning of Devi Paksha and the end of Pitri Paksha, heralding the start of Durga Puja preparations.
Note: All timings are represented in 24-hour notation in local time of the selected location with DST adjustment (if applicable).
Hours which are past midnight are suffixed with next day date. In Panchang, a day starts and ends with local sunrise.
Recommended Pages
Comprehensive annual Hindu calendar with tithis and festivals.
Detailed month-wise view of lunar tithis and celestial events.
Marathi Panchang and festive dates for the year.
Gujarati Vikram Samvat calendar and festivals.
Telugu calendar and festive Panchangam details.
Tamil solar calendar dates and monthly Panchangam.