Mahalaya Amavasai

Tamil

Also known as: Pitru Amavasai, Mahalaya Amavasya

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2026 Tamil Date

Mahalaya Amavasai

About Mahalaya Amavasai

Mahalaya Amavasai falls on the new moon day (Amavasai) in the Tamil month of Purattasi (September-October). It is a significant day for performing rites for departed ancestors.

Devotees take holy dips in rivers and perform special pukas for their ancestors. The day marks the beginning of the Navarathiri festival.

In Tamil Nadu, temples hold special ceremonies and families gather to perform ancestral rites. The festival emphasises the importance of honouring one's lineage.

Vrat Vidhi & Fasting Rules

Devotees observe fasting and perform ancestral rites on this new moon day.

Step-by-Step Fasting Procedures:

Wake up early and take a ritual bath in a river.
Observe fasting throughout the day.
Perform pitru tarpanam (ancestral rites) for departed souls.
Visit temples and offer prayers for ancestral peace.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the significance of Mahalaya Amavasai?

Mahalaya Amavasai is believed to be particularly powerful for granting peace to departed souls. Devotees perform shraddha rituals and offer prayers for their ancestors' liberation.

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.