Mahalaya Amavasya 2025: Date, Puja Time, Rituals and Significance

Mahalaya Amavasya is one of the holiest days in the Hindu tradition. It falls on the last day of Pitru Paksha, a fortnight dedicated to honoring ancestors.

The day is not only significant for performing rituals for ancestors but also marks the beginning of Devi Paksha, the time when Goddess Durga descends on earth.

In 2025, Mahalaya Amavasya holds special significance as devotees prepare to welcome Navratri and Durga Puja celebrations.

Mahalaya Amavasya 2025 Date and Time

On this sacred day, families wake up before sunrise and perform rituals to honor their ancestors, praying for peace, prosperity, and divine blessings.

Significance of Mahalaya Amavasya

Mahalaya Amavasya is deeply connected to both Pitra Puja and spiritual renewal:

● It is believed that performing tarpan (offering water and food to ancestors) on this day brings blessings from the ancestors.

● According to tradition, those who did not pay respects to their ancestors during Pitru Paksha can do so on Mahalaya day to seek forgiveness.

● In Bengal and eastern India, Mahalaya also marks the arrival of Maa Durga on earth to fight evil forces.

Mahalaya Amavasya Rituals and Traditions

Mahalaya is celebrated with unique customs in different parts of India, but the essence is the same - prayers, offerings and devotion.

1. Tarpana and Shraddha

Devotees perform rituals by offering water, black sesame seeds and food in memory of ancestors, usually near a river, pond or holy water body.

2. Lighting of diyas and prayers

Families pray for the peace of the departed souls by lighting diyas in the home and temples. Food is also given to crows, cows and the poor, which symbolizes the offerings made to the ancestors.

3. Mahalaya Paath and "Mahishasura Mardini"

In West Bengal, Mahalaya morning is incomplete without listening to the iconic recitation of "Mahishasura Mardini" composed by Birendra Krishna Bhadra, which describes the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura.

4. Community Puja

In many areas, special prayers and yagnas are performed to invoke divine blessings for family harmony, prosperity and protection.

Mahalaya Amavasya and Durga Puja

For Bengalis, Mahalaya is the official countdown to Durga Puja, the grand festival of Goddess Durga. According to mythology, on this day, Lord Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva combined their powers to create Goddess Durga so that she could destroy the demon king Mahishasura.

● Mahalaya marks the end of Pitru Paksha and the beginning of Devi Paksha.
● It is believed that on this day, Goddess Durga begins her journey from Mount Kailash to earth, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.

Spiritual Benefits of Mahalaya Amavasya

Observing Mahalaya Amavasya is believed to bring peace, prosperity, and protection to families. By performing tarpan and remembering ancestors, devotees receive their blessings, which help remove obstacles and negative energies from life.

The rituals are said to attract positivity, strengthen family harmony, and bring overall well-being. Spiritually, this day also invites the divine energy of Goddess Durga, offering courage, strength, and guidance to move forward in life..

Conclusion

Mahalaya Amavasya 2025 is not just a day of rituals but serves as a bridge between honoring our ancestors and welcoming divine energy.

By offering prayers, tarpana and remembering ancestors, families invoke peace and prosperity in their lives.

Also, Mahalaya marks the beginning of Devi Paksha, which fills the heart with devotion and eagerness for Navratri and Durga Puja.

As we celebrate Mahalaya Amavasya on 21st September 2025, let us seek blessings from our ancestors and embrace the divine energy of Goddess Durga for a life filled with positivity and strength.

Frequently Asked Questions on Mahalaya Amavasya 2025

Q. 1. Why is Mahalaya celebrated before Navratri? 

Because it marks the end of Pitru Paksha and the beginning of Devi Paksha, which is the
time to welcome Goddess Durga.

Q. 2. What is the connection between Pitru Paksha and Mahalaya?

Mahalaya is the last day of Pitru Paksha when ancestors are honored before the beginning of the divine phase of Devi Paksha.

Q. 3. Can women perform Tarpana rituals?

Yes, women can also perform tarpana and shraddha with devotion.

Q4. Is it necessary to fast on Mahalaya Amavasya?

Fasting is not mandatory, but many devotees observe fasting or eat satvik (pure
vegetarian) food as a mark of devotion.