The Aryavarth Express
Rameswaram (Tamil Nadu): On the occasion of Thai Amavasai, considered one of the most auspicious days for performing Pitru Tharpanam, thousands of devotees across Tamil Nadu paid tributes to their ancestors in the early hours of Sunday.
In Rameswaram, devotees gathered at the sacred Agnitheertham sea to perform Pithurkarma puja, offering prayers for the peace and salvation of their departed ancestors. Many people were seen taking a holy dip in the sea before performing rituals such as Shradh and Tarpan, which are believed to help ancestors attain peace.
Similar scenes were witnessed at Harbour Beach in Thoothukudi, where devotees offered prayers and rituals in remembrance of their forefathers.
Thai Amavasai marks the new moon day in the Tamil month of Thai (January–February) and holds immense significance in Tamil culture. In North India, the same day is observed as Mauni Amavasya. According to traditional belief, fasting and offering special prayers on Amavasai help ensure peace for departed souls and bring blessings to the family.
On this day, devotees perform Shradh rituals, which involve offerings of food, water, and rice balls (Pind Daan) to honour ancestors. Tarpan, the ritual offering of water mixed with sesame seeds and other sacred items, is also performed to seek the well-being of ancestors and their peaceful journey in the afterlife.
Every year, thousands of devotees visit Rameswaram’s Agnitheertham Kadarkarai in the morning hours on Thai Amavasai to carry out ancestral rites and seek blessings.
