Puri: Thousands of devotees from Odisha and other states gathered in the pilgrim town of Puri on Mahalaya Amavasya to pay homage to their ancestors and perform traditional religious rituals.
Sacred ponds across the town and areas near the north gate of the Shree Jagannath Temple witnessed large gatherings as devotees observed the auspicious occasion with prayers and ancestral offerings.
Mahalaya Amavasya holds special significance in Hindu tradition as a day dedicated to remembering departed family members and seeking blessings for their souls.
Devotees Perform Pinda Daan and Shraddha
According to Hindu beliefs, performing Pinda Daan and Shraddha on Mahalaya Amavasya helps devotees honour their ancestors and express gratitude towards previous generations.
Following these traditions, devotees gathered at various sacred locations across Puri to offer prayers and perform ancestral rites.
People travelled from different parts of Odisha and neighbouring states to observe the occasion in Srikshetra, one of the most important pilgrimage destinations for Hindus.
Sacred Sites Witness Large Gatherings
The sacred ponds of Puri and the area near the north gate of the Shree Jagannath Temple emerged as important gathering points for devotees.
The observance created a deeply spiritual atmosphere across the town, with families participating in rituals according to their religious customs and traditions.
The large turnout reflected the enduring importance of ancestral worship in Hindu culture and Puri’s role as a major religious centre in Odisha.
Religious Significance of Mahalaya Amavasya
Mahalaya Amavasya falls on the new moon day of the Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Ashwin. It marks an important occasion during the traditional period of Pitru Paksha, when Hindus remember and pay respects to their departed ancestors.
The rituals performed on this day are rooted in the belief that prayers and offerings honour ancestors and help families maintain their spiritual connection with previous generations.
The observance in Puri once again highlighted the city’s religious and cultural significance, drawing devotees seeking to fulfil ancestral rites at its sacred locations.
