Mahalaya Amavasya 2025 Timings
Mahalaya Amavasya, a day of profound spiritual significance in Hinduism, marks the culmination of the 16-day period known as Pitru Paksha, or the fortnight of the ancestors.
In 2025, this day will be observed with solemn rituals and deep reverence, providing a bridge between honoring the departed and welcoming the divine feminine energy ahead of the Durga Puja festival [, ].
Mahalaya Amavasya 2025: Date and Timings
In 2025, Mahalaya Amavasya will be observed on **Sunday, September 21** [, , ]. This day is also referred to as Sarva Pitri Amavasya or Pitru Moksha Amavasya [, ].
The sacred timings for the day are as follows:
* **Amavasya Tithi Begins**: 12:16 AM on September 21, 2025 [, ].
* **Amavasya Tithi Ends**: 01:23 AM on September 22, 2025 [, ].
Auspicious periods (Muhurat) for performing rituals include:
* **Kutup Muhurat**: 11:50 AM to 12:38 PM [, ].
* **Rohina Muhurat**: 12:38 PM to 01:27 PM.[1]
* **Aparahna Kaal**: 01:27 PM to 03:53 PM.[1
The Spiritual Significance and Mythological Roots
Mahalaya Amavasya is dedicated to remembering and paying homage to one’s ancestors (Pitrs). It is believed that during Pitru Paksha, the souls of ancestors descend to Earth, and performing rituals on this final day helps their souls attain peace, or *moksha* (salvation) .
By performing these rites, descendants seek blessings for health, peace, and prosperity while also resolving any karmic debts of their lineage.
A well-known mythological story from the Mahabharata illustrates the importance of these rituals. After his death, the great warrior Karna reached the heavens but was offered only gold and jewels to eat.
When he asked Yama, the god of death, why this was, Yama explained that while Karna had donated immense wealth throughout his life, he had never offered food and water to his ancestors.
Moved by Karna’s devotion, Yama allowed him to return to Earth for a brief period to perform the necessary rites, ensuring peace for his ancestors’ souls .
Key Rituals and Observances
The day is marked by a series of sacred rituals performed with devotion and discipline.
* **Purification**: Devotees begin the day by thoroughly cleaning their homes and taking a holy bath, often in sacred rivers like the Ganges, to purify themselves physically and spiritually .
* **Tarpan and Pind Daan**:
The primary rituals are Tarpan and Pind Daan. Tarpan involves offering water mixed with sesame seeds to the ancestors to quench their thirst . Pind Daan is the offering of rice balls mixed with barley, sesame seeds, and flowers, which is believed to nourish the souls of the departed .
* **Brahmin Bhojan**: Families invite Brahmins (priests) to their homes for a special meal. It is believed that feeding the Brahmins on this day ensures the offerings directly reach the ancestors .
* **Offering to Crows**: Crows are considered messengers from the realm of the ancestors. A portion of the ritual food is offered to them, and their consumption of the food signifies that the ancestors have accepted the offerings .
* **Charity (Daan)**: Acts of charity, such as donating food, clothing, and other essentials to the needy, are highly encouraged and believed to bring merit .
* **Mahishasura Mardini**: In many households, especially in West Bengal, the day begins in the pre-dawn hours with the iconic radio broadcast of ‘Mahishasura Mardini.’
This collection of devotional chants and songs narrates the story of Goddess Durga’s victory over the demon Mahishasura and marks the beginning of Devi Paksha, setting a festive tone for the upcoming Durga Puja .
Transition to Festivity and Contemporary Relevance
Mahalaya Amavasya serves as a poignant transition from a period of solemn remembrance to one of joyous celebration . It marks the end of Pitru Paksha and heralds the arrival of Devi Paksha, the fortnight of the Goddess, culminating in Durga Puja.
In modern times, Mahalaya continues to be a day for strengthening family bonds, preserving cultural identity, and reflecting on one’s roots. It brings families together to honor their shared lineage and reinforces the timeless Hindu philosophy of the cyclical nature of life, death, and rebirth.[2]
### Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
**Q1. When is Mahalaya Amavasya in 2025?**
Mahalaya Amavasya in 2025 falls on Sunday, September 21 .
**Q2. What is the primary significance of Mahalaya Amavasya?**
It is the most important day for honoring ancestors (Pitrs). Performing rituals on this day is believed to grant salvation (moksha) to departed souls and bring peace, prosperity, and harmony to their descendants .
**Q3. What is Pitru Paksha?**
Pitru Paksha is a 16-day lunar period in the Hindu calendar when Hindus pay homage to their ancestors. Mahalaya Amavasya is the last day of this period .
**Q4. What are the main rituals performed on this day?**
The key rituals include Tarpan (offering water), Pind Daan (offering food), feeding Brahmins, acts of charity, and, in some regions, listening to the ‘Mahishasura Mardini’ broadcast .
**Q5. Why is it also called Sarva Pitri Amavasya?**
It is called Sarva Pitri Amavasya (all-ancestors new moon day) because the shraddha rituals for any deceased person can be performed on this day, regardless of the lunar day (*tithi*) they died on .
**Q6. Is Mahalaya Amavasya a public holiday?**
While it is not a national public holiday in India, it is an important observance and a government holiday in several states, including West Bengal, Odisha, and Karnataka.