Pitr-Paksha- Mahalaya Amavasya Festivals - पक्ष पितृ महालय अमावस्या
Pitr Paksh (Mahalaya Amavasyaew is considered to be one of the most auspicious day in the Hindu calendar. Rituals are offered in the names of the departed in the many holy Ghats spread across the country. The whole fortnight preceding Amavasya is considered to be apt for this occasion. People gather in the banks of Godavari and Krishna to perform rituals and rites for the departed.
Pitr Paksh (Mahalaya Amavasyaew) is celebrated in strict adherence to the Holy Scriptures and rituals of the Hindus. The Brahmins help the people to perform the holy rites. Rations are provided to the downtrodden and poor which is called Sahityam or Swayampakam. Non Vegetarians also have the option of having meat and liquor.
The ritualistic festival has taken a new turn in today's world. It provides a great opportunity for the family members to get together.
Significantly enough this festival is celebrated throughout India in different names. But the motive and customs remain the same. The Holy waters of the river plays a major part in the ritualistic festival.
This is celebrated on the Amavasya day in the month of Bhadrapada. When the sun is in the zodiacal sign of Kanya or virgo and in conjunction with the moon. It is a very auspicious day for offering oblations to the pitris that is names of the departed ancestors. The whole fortnight called pitri pakshas i.e. the fortnight preceding Amavasya is sacred for propitiating departed souls. People go to sacred rivers like Ganga in North India, Godavari and Krishna in Andhra and Kaveri in South India to offer oblations and pindas to their ancestors. All Hindus take it to be an auspicious day, the twice born that is dwijas and particularly Brahmins perform the rituals on an elaborate scale according to the rules laid down in religious manuals. The lower castes and particularly the poor people remain content with the offer of a day's ration called Sahityam or Swayampakam (food cooked one self) to their family priest in the name of their departed ancestors. The eatables and special dishes are prepared according to the means of the family. Non vegetarians drink liquor and eat meat for the satisfaction of the departed ancestor.
Pitr Paksh (Mahalaya Amavasyaew) is celebrated in strict adherence to the Holy Scriptures and rituals of the Hindus. The Brahmins help the people to perform the holy rites. Rations are provided to the downtrodden and poor which is called Sahityam or Swayampakam. Non Vegetarians also have the option of having meat and liquor.
The ritualistic festival has taken a new turn in today's world. It provides a great opportunity for the family members to get together.
Significantly enough this festival is celebrated throughout India in different names. But the motive and customs remain the same. The Holy waters of the river plays a major part in the ritualistic festival.
This is celebrated on the Amavasya day in the month of Bhadrapada. When the sun is in the zodiacal sign of Kanya or virgo and in conjunction with the moon. It is a very auspicious day for offering oblations to the pitris that is names of the departed ancestors. The whole fortnight called pitri pakshas i.e. the fortnight preceding Amavasya is sacred for propitiating departed souls. People go to sacred rivers like Ganga in North India, Godavari and Krishna in Andhra and Kaveri in South India to offer oblations and pindas to their ancestors. All Hindus take it to be an auspicious day, the twice born that is dwijas and particularly Brahmins perform the rituals on an elaborate scale according to the rules laid down in religious manuals. The lower castes and particularly the poor people remain content with the offer of a day's ration called Sahityam or Swayampakam (food cooked one self) to their family priest in the name of their departed ancestors. The eatables and special dishes are prepared according to the means of the family. Non vegetarians drink liquor and eat meat for the satisfaction of the departed ancestor.