Mahalaya Amavasya observed, devotees offer Tarpan to ancestors

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Bhubaneswar: Mahalaya Amavasya is being observed across Odisha on Saturday, October 10, with devotees performing Pitru Tarpan and Shraddha rituals to pay homage to their ancestors.

The occasion marks the end of Pitru Paksha and the beginning of Devi Paksha, heralding the arrival of the Durga Puja season.

Devotees traditionally offer water, food, and other ritual items to their departed ancestors, seeking their blessings and peace for their souls.

Goddess Samaleshwari of Balangir appeared in Dhabalmukhi Besha today on Mahalaya day.

This unique Besha of the Goddess is for only one day, that is, on Mahalaya. It is believed that devotees earn huge virtues by getting Darshan of Maa Samaleshwari in this white attire.

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In Bhubaneswar, Bindusagar, and in Puri, sacred locations around the Jagannath Temple, including the Baisi Pahacha, are associated with ancestral offerings during Mahalaya.

The day also holds religious significance as devotees begin preparations to welcome Goddess Durga.

Special prayers are offered at temples across Odisha, while preparations for Durga Puja gain momentum in different parts of the state.

Mahalaya is observed on Ashwin Amavasya, the final day of Pitru Paksha. This year, the occasion falls on October 10, with Navratri beginning the following day, October 11.

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