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Mahalaya Amavasya

Sarvapitri — All Ancestors

Hindu

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The most sacred day of Pitru Paksha — Sarvapitri Amavasya covers ALL ancestors regardless of the tithi on which they died. The most widely observed Shraddha day of the year

Dates 2026–2027

October 10, 2026

Mantra

ॐ पितृ देवाय नमः

Om Pitru Devaya Namaha — I bow to the divine ancestors, in gratitude and remembrance

✦ Special Note

Wake early and bathe before sunrise. Perform tarpan facing south — cup your hands, add water with sesame seeds and barley, and offer three times for each ancestor you remember by name. Feed crows before you eat. Donate to Brahmins or the needy in your ancestors' names.

Foods Allowed

Simple satvik vegetarian food onlyRice and dal (plain)Sesame seeds (til) — essential for tarpanBarley (jau)Fruits of all kindsBanana chips (made with sendha namak and ghee/coconut oil)All fresh fruits — including banana, apple, mango, papaya, pomegranate, grapes, pear, chikoo, guava, watermelon, orange, and seasonal fruitsMilk and dairyCoconut

Foods to Avoid

Non-vegetarian foodOnion and garlicAlcoholHeavily spiced food

Meal Idea

Plain rice with dal and a sesame offering — cooked with reverence, the first portion set aside for the crows

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Get a reminder before the next Mahalaya Amavasya

At 7pm the evening before, each time it comes around. Turn it off anytime.

Remind me

Dates shown for India (default). Enable JavaScript to set a reminder for your location.

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