Tila Tarpan – A Sacred Pitru Paksha Ritual for Mahalaya Amavasya

What is Tarpan?

Tarpan is a traditional Vedic practice of offering oblations in remembrance of one's ancestors.

It involves offerings, traditionally including water and sesame, accompanied by prayers and Vaidic mantras in remembrance of those who came before us.

In traditional belief, Tarpan is performed to honour one's ancestors and offer prayers for their peace.

Tarpan is traditionally performed on Amavasya and during Pitru Paksha, with the exact procedure varying according to the ritual tradition being followed.

The Significance of Tarpan During Pitru Paksha

Pitru Paksha is traditionally dedicated to remembering and honouring one's ancestors. Tarpan is one of the traditional practices performed during this period as an offering of remembrance and gratitude.

Through offerings of water, sesame, and prayers, devotees remember their ancestral lineage and express reverence for those who came before them.

Mahalaya Amavasya, the concluding day of Pitru Paksha, is traditionally regarded as an important occasion for ancestral rituals and remembrance.

Some traditions also associate ancestral rituals with the concept of Pitru Dosha, a belief concerning unresolved ancestral obligations. These beliefs and their interpretations vary across traditions.

Mahalaya Amavasya – A Day to Honour Your Ancestors

Mahalaya Amavasya marks the culmination of Pitru Paksha.

It is traditionally regarded as an important day for ancestral remembrance and rituals, providing an opportunity to consciously remember departed parents, forefathers, and ancestors.

The word Pitru broadly refers to ancestors. It is not limited to one's father or paternal lineage and can refer to the ancestral lineage across generations.

On this sacred day, Tarpan offers a traditional way to remember those who came before us and express gratitude through offerings, prayers, and Vaidic chanting.

Who Can Participate in Tila Tarpan?

Anyone whose father or mother is no longer in the physical body can participate in this Tila Tarpan ritual.

Both men and women can perform the ritual.

You can participate from home and follow the guided ritual during the live Zoom session.

Participate From Anywhere in the World

For international devotees, this sacred ritual offers an opportunity to participate from the comfort of home and honour their ancestral lineage with faith and reverence.

The Mahalaya Amavasya Tila Tarpan will be conducted as a live Zoom session, allowing devotees across the world to participate in the traditional ritual from wherever they are.

Prepare the required materials at home and join the session for guided participation with Vaidic chanting and prayers.

Materials Required for Tarpanam at Home

Please keep the following materials ready before the session:

• Black Tila (Black Sesame Seeds)
• White Rice (Uncooked)
• Panchapatra Set (Plate, Spoon/Udarni, and Small Glass)
• Asan (Seat)
• Darbha Grass (Halfa grass, Big cordgrass, Salt reed-grass)
• Darbha Grass is generally available at puja stores near temples.

Please arrange all materials in advance so that you can participate comfortably during the live session.

Please Note

• Keep all required materials ready before the session.
• Join the Zoom session with the materials placed near you.
• Follow the guidance provided during the live ritual.