Pausha Amavasya

Falling in the winter month of Pausha, donating sesame seeds (Til), blankets, and mustard oil grants relief from Pitra Dosha and brings peace to departed ancestral souls.

The Garuda Purana teaches that on Amavasya, the gates of Pitruloka open and ancestral spirits visit the doorsteps of their descendants in subtle form seeking water and sesame offerings. In ancient times, an impoverished householder named Hemanga performed Tarpan with pure water and sincere devotion; his ancestors were deeply pleased and blessed him with unexpected prosperity and righteous children.

1. 1Wake up during Brahma Muhurta and take a bath in a holy river or add Gangajal to your water.
2. 2Offer Arghya to Surya Dev using a copper vessel containing water, red sandalwood, and red flowers.
3. 3Face South and perform Tarpan for ancestors using black sesame seeds (Kala Til), Kusha grass, and water.
4. 4Prepare simple sattvic food and feed crows, cows, and dogs (Panchabali karma).
5. 5Donate warm clothes, raw food grains, and sesame seeds to needy individuals.