Mahalaya Amavasai

The event, called Sarvapitri Amavasya in the Tamil communities, is called Mahalaya Amavasai. It is arranged in the Indian cities present in its southern parts. This event is also related to the ancestors as all the worship is performed for their salvation. In Bengal, it is named Mahalya, and the Puja activity arranged there is called Durga Puja. The Durga Puja is arranged as the event in the Bangal, and great ancestors’ salvation activities are performed there. 

Activities relaated to Mahalaya Amavasai

• The most important activity of the day is the Tarpan activity, offered to the ancestors in exchange for their evil deeds. The people also offer it for themselves to get free from evil deeds. 
• The Puja ceremonies are arranged in the temples on the event day, and the Shraddha activity is performed there in respect of the ancestors. After the Shraddha activity, the God Puja is arranged for his blessings. 
• People take the Holy bath in the holy rivers and wear the event clothes. The clothes worn at the event are yellow, and the bowl used while Puja is also yellow. The hands and the feet are specially washed as they are considered free from the evil deeds of life. 
• The threads are placed on the shoulders of the Gods for the ancestor’s salvation. The donations are made after the thread-placing ceremony. Few people place the holy thread on the idols of their forefathers. The thread placed on the shoulder of the ancestors is a holy thread taken from the temple. At the end of the event, the Satvik food is distributed among all the celebrators of Mahalaya Amavasai.