Mahalaya Amavasya (Sarva Pitru) (महालया अमावस्या (सर्वपितृ)) is a tithi-based observance falling in the Hindu lunar month of आश्विन. Its position is fixed by tithi rather than by the Gregorian calendar, so the date moves every year and is computed from the panchang. No fast is prescribed for the day.
Mahalaya Amavasya (Sarva Pitru)
महालया अमावस्या (सर्वपितृ)
Hindu month: आश्विन
Panchang Basis (Tithi Rule)
Each year this observance falls on the Amavasya tithi of the Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Ashvina. Because lunar tithis drift against the Gregorian calendar, the English date shifts every year — the tithi rule above is what stays fixed.
Months here are named the Purnimanta way, as in North Indian panchangs, where a month ends on Purnima. Amanta calendars (Maharashtra, Gujarat and most of South India) end a month on Amavasya, so they call this same fortnight Bhadrapada Krishna Paksha; the date is the same.
About This Festival
Last day of Pitru Paksha — universal Shraddh for all ancestors
पितृ पक्ष का अंतिम दिन — सभी पूर्वजों के लिए सार्वभौमिक श्राद्ध
Significance
If you cannot observe Shraddh on each ancestor's specific tithi, performing it on Mahalaya Amavasya covers all. Also marks the beginning of Devi Paksha (Navratri countdown).
Puja Vidhi (How to Observe)
Perform tarpan for all ancestors regardless of their death tithi. This is the most important Shraddh day. Feed Brahmins and the poor. Offer pind daan if possible.
Regional Names
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Mahalaya Amavasya (Sarva Pitru) celebrated?
Mahalaya Amavasya (Sarva Pitru) is celebrated on Saturday, 10 October 2026 and on Thursday, 30 September 2027. The date changes each year because it follows the Hindu lunar calendar (Panchang) — every date here is computed from real planetary positions using the Swiss Ephemeris engine, not copied from a fixed list.
Is Mahalaya Amavasya (Sarva Pitru) a fasting (vrat) day?
Mahalaya Amavasya (Sarva Pitru) is not primarily a fasting day, though many families still keep a light fast or a sattvic diet as part of the observance.
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