The *Shraddh Paksha* (fortnight dedicated to ancestors) is drawing to a close, and with it approaches *Sarvapitri Amavasya*, the final day dedicated to the ancestors. The new moon day (*Amavasya*) of the *Ashwin* month is known as *Sarvapitri Amavasya*. It is believed that on this day, one can perform *Shraddh*, *Tarpan*, and *Pind Daan* for all ancestors—including those whose specific death anniversary is unknown or for whom the *Shraddh* ritual could not be performed earlier. People engage in various religious activities on this day to seek blessings and pray for the peace of their ancestors' souls. If you are performing *Shraddh* for your ancestors on *Sarvapitri Amavasya*, you can also undertake certain virtuous deeds and simple remedies alongside the ritual. Religious belief holds that these actions garner the ancestors' blessings and foster peace and happiness within the family.

What do the astrologers of Deoghar say?
Pandit Nand Kishore Mudgal, an astrologer from Deoghar, stated that *Sarvapitri Amavasya* will be observed on October 10 this year. The following day—October 11—marks the beginning of *Devi Paksha*, or *Sharadiya Navratri*. Consequently, *Sarvapitri Amavasya* is considered the final opportunity to appease one's ancestors and seek their blessings. According to the astrologer, frequent disputes often arise in households without any apparent major cause. Despite family members working hard and achieving progress, the domestic atmosphere remains turbulent. In astrology, such situations are often attributed to *Pitra Dosh* (ancestral affliction). While not every family problem stems from *Pitra Dosh*, religious tradition holds that rituals performed for ancestors on *Sarvapitri Amavasya* help foster mental peace and create a positive atmosphere within the family.

Perform *Tarpan* and *Shraddh* in the name of your ancestors on this day
Pandit Mudgal advises that on *Sarvapitri Amavasya*, one must first perform *Shraddh*, *Tarpan*, and *Pind Daan* in the name of one's ancestors. If you are performing the *Shraddh* ritual according to scriptural guidelines, remember your ancestors and offer *Tarpan* (water oblation) with devotion. Subsequently, it is considered auspicious to set aside and offer food to a cow, a crow, and a dog. There is a religious belief that the spiritual merit (*punya*) of food set aside for ancestors reaches them when it is fed to these creatures. Afterward, respectfully feed Brahmins and donate food grains, clothing, or other essential items according to your means. Astrologers emphasize that on this day, devotion matters more than ostentation; therefore, one should perform acts of charity and donation within one's financial capacity.

**Perform this ritual facing the south**
Additionally, a special remedy can be practiced on the evening of *Sarvapitri Amavasya*. Astrologers advise lighting a lamp filled with sesame oil, facing south, either outside the house or at the place of worship. In religious belief, the south is considered the direction of the ancestors. Consequently, there is a tradition of lighting a lamp in the southern direction on this day to remember one's ancestors and pray for the peace of their souls. It is believed that performing these acts with devotion invokes the blessings of the ancestors and fosters happiness, peace, and prosperity within the family. The purpose of *Sarvapitri Amavasya* is not merely to perform rituals, but also to remember one's forebears, show respect towards them, and help the needy.

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