Shravana Amavasya Magnifying Nature’s Beauty

The Shravana Amavasya, which is also known as the Hariyali Amavasya for the Hindus who follow the lunar calendar. It is believed to occur in the new moon day known as Amavasya which concedes in the month of Shravana, usually observed in the months of July and August. Fasting is obligatory for all Hindus but especially for the Hindus of southern parts of India, this day holds eminent importance.

Pleasing the Ancestors

Shravana Amavasya is dedicated to the forefathers, where people perform puja for their ancestors and offer various things to them. People have it that, this is the day when the souls of the departed ancestors come to the living ones to shower them with blessings. A majority of Hindus follow fasting, doing tarpana offering water to the ancestors, and offering special pujas to the gods.

Pious Offerings 

This is one of the many activities carried out in the present day whereby water, sesame seeds, and black til (sesame) are presented to the forefathers. This rite is carried out close to the water sources like a river, lake, or the sea among others. Some people also go to shrines of Lord Shiva because both, this god and Goddess Parvati, are in connection with this ritual.

Athi Varadar in South India 

More emphasis is paid to Shravana Amavasya in Tamil Nadu. Generally, it is considered appropriate to have a bath in holier water, such as in the rivers or the sea. The Athi Varadar festival held in Kancheepuram is held around this day and attracts many devotees.

It is greatly observed that Shravana Amavasya is a pious date for offering service with the idea that the ancestors attain ‘Moksha.’ Consequently, people sacrifice in different ways, give food and clothes to the needy, and carry out several religious rituals.

Consequently, that day is also good for setting up a new business or at least for making vital decisions. Some of the communities engage in the settlement of civil disputes and celebrations of cultural integration to restore order and remind families and friends of the need to stop fighting one another.

Shravana Amavasya is an occasion to understand a cycle prevails in life, and one must respect his/her origin. This confirms the continuity of the relationship between the living and the dead and makes people respect the traditions of Hinduism.