Ashadha Amavasya, also known as Amvasai, is a significant day in the Hindu calendar dedicated to honoring ancestors. Celebrated on the new moon day of the Hindu month of Ashadha, which falls in June or July according to the Gregorian calendar, this occasion holds a special place in the hearts of Hindus. It is a time for reflection, remembrance, and paying homage to departed souls.
Devotees believe that performing specific rituals on this day brings blessings and peace to the ancestors and helps their souls attain salvation. These rituals include Pitru Tarpan, Pind Daan, and organizing Gayatri Path. Pitru Tarpan involves offering water and prayers to the ancestors, while Pind Daan involves offering food and other offerings to them. Organizing Gayatri Path is believed to chant mantras for the ancestors’ well-being.
The day is also associated with the worship of deities like Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. It is considered auspicious to take a holy bath in revered water bodies like the Ganges River, symbolizing purification and seeking blessings from the divine. Devotees often invite priests and Brahmins to their homes, offering them sattvik food, clothes, and dakshina in the name of their ancestors.
Ashadha Amavasya 2024 falls on July 5th, 2024. The Amavasya Tithi begins at 4:57 AM on July 5th, 2024 and ends at 4:26 AM on July 6th, 2024.
Here are some common rituals observed during Ashadha Amavasya:
* Waking up early in the morning and taking a holy bath at home.
* Visiting Ganga Ghats to take a holy bath in the Ganges River.
* Visiting sacred places to perform Pitru Puja for the peace of their ancestors.
* Organizing food stalls to feed the needy.
* Organizing Gayatri Path for the salvation of the ancestors.
* Feeding crows, ants, dogs, and cows on this day is considered highly meritorious.
* Inviting Brahmins or qualified priests at home, feeding them sattvik food, and giving them clothes and dakshina.
Ashadha Amavasya is a time for Hindus to connect with their ancestors, seek their blessings, and ensure their well-being in the afterlife. It is a day of spiritual reflection, remembrance, and honoring the legacy of those who came before us.
