Significance of Mahalaya Paksha-Mahalaya Amavasaya
Mahalaya Paksha or the fortnight especially sacred for offering oblations to the departed ancestors. This period is known as the "Dark Fortnight " of Aswayuja month (September-October). The paksha month starts from Full moon day and extends up to the following new moon day. This New Moon Day is considered as the most important day in the year for performing obsequies and rites. This New Moon Day is also called "Sarva Pitru Amavasaya". Many Hindus choose this day to make offering called Tharpanam or Tarapan to the dead ancestors. Every month has one Amavasya- Each Amavasya is regarded as the important day to remember Ancestors. The Mahalaya Amavasya is regarded as most important day of all the Amavasya. If an individual fails to offer on all the Amavasya day is excusable but not on Mahalaya Amavasya day. The story behind this is taken from Mahabharata. The story why the Pitru Paksha is marked by daan and charity has its deep ingrained meaning in ...