Ask around at any family function, and you’ll find the same problem. Nobody remembers exactly when Dadi’s mother passed away. Or the tithi of a grand-uncle who lived in the village. Some families only ever noted the English date, and now it’s too late to work out the Hindu one.For situations like this, Pitru Paksha has an answer. Sarva Pitru Amavasya, which falls this year on Saturday, 10 October, is meant for every ancestor, known or forgotten.
Date and Time
Amavasya runs through the day and ends at around 9:19 PM on 10 October. Shraddh is best done between late morning and early afternoon, during Kutup or Rohina muhurat. Your local panchang will have the exact window for your city.In Bengal, the same day is celebrated as Mahalaya.
Why “Sarva” Matters
Sarva simply means all. On this Amavasya, offerings are believed to reach every Pitr in the family line, even those whose names have faded from memory.So if you missed a parent’s shraddh earlier in the fortnight, or never knew a grandparent’s tithi to begin with, this is your day. Families whose relatives died on Purnima or Amavasya also perform shraddh now.There’s one exception. Ancestors who died in accidents or other untimely ways are usually remembered on Chaturdashi. This year, that’s 9 October.
It’s Also Shani Amavasya
Because 10 October is a Saturday, it becomes Shanishchari Amavasya. That’s considered a strong day for Shani remedies. Anyone going through Sade Sati may want to light a mustard oil diya under a peepal tree that evening.
A Simple Shraddh at Home
You don’t need an elaborate setup. Bathe in the morning and sit facing south. Fill a copper lota with water, then add some black til, a few drops of milk and a flower or two.Hold kusha grass in your right hand and pour the water slowly. Say “for all my ancestors, known and unknown,” and then add the names you do remember.Cook something simple. Kheer and puri are traditional, though many families make whatever the elders used to enjoy. Keep onion and garlic out. Before the family eats, put a little food aside for the cow, a dog and the crows.
Saying Goodbye in the Evening
This is also Pitru Visarjan, the day ancestors are sent off until next year. At sunset, place a lit diya near the main door, facing south. Fold your hands, thank them, and ask forgiveness for anything missed during the fortnight.
Living Abroad or Short on Time?
Even a few minutes count. Offer water with til in their names, or donate a meal to someone hungry. Plenty of people now book pind daan at Gaya or Haridwar online through temple priests.Clean the house before you sleep. Navratri begins at sunrise the next morning.