Amavasai Pooja for Ancestors
On Amavasai (new moon), starting in the morning and finishing before noon. Aadi Amavasai, Mahalaya Amavasai in Purattasi and Thai Amavasai are very special.
Next: 8 December 2026, Tuesday · Karthigai 22
Significance
A day to remember our ancestors who have passed away and to thank them. The main duties of this day are doing tharpanam, offering water with sesame seeds, and feeding the poor.
Who may do tharpanam and which mantras to say differ by family and community. So follow the guidance of an elder in your family or a purohithar (priest).
Things you need
- Ellu (sesame seeds), dharbai grass
- Clean water, sembu (water pot)
- Picture of your ancestors
- Raw rice, vegetables, agathi keerai
- Banana leaf
- Lamp, flowers
How to do it
- That morning, take a bath and wear clean clothes. If you can, bathe in the sea, a river or another body of water.
- Do tharpanam as your family does, with the help of a purohithar or the guidance of an elder.
- Think of the names of your ancestors and pour out water mixed with sesame seeds.
- Light a lamp before the picture of your ancestors, place flowers and pray.
- Cook the foods they liked and offer them on a leaf.
- First put food out for the crows, and then the family eats.
- It is good to give agathi keerai to a cow, and food and clothes to the poor.
Please note
- In many families, the custom on this day is not to eat meat and not to draw a kolam at the front door.
- It is said that if you cannot do tharpanam, it is enough to feed one person while thinking of your ancestors.
This is only a general guide. If your family custom is different, follow that. Ask your elders and your priest.