Avidhva, or Avidhava Navami Shradh, is observed on the ninth day of the Pitru Paksha fortnight and is dedicated to women who did not die as a widow. It is observed during the waning phase of moon (Krishna Paksha) in Ashwin month. Avidhva Navami Shradh 2017 date is September 14. Avidhava Navami Shradh rituals and rites are strictly followed for women who died when their husbands were alive.
The Avidha Navami rituals vary from region to region and from community to community. But in all regions on the day, Shradh is performed for one's mother or any other woman in the family, who did not die a widow.
In the rituals, instead of deities, demigods known as dhurilochan whose eyes remain half closed are invoked. Dhuri means smoke and lochan means eyes; their eyes remain half closed due to smoke.
In some regions, the Shradh rituals are not performed on the day. Instead food or meal is offered to the married woman’s soul. Some people also feed a Sumangali (married women) on the day.
Avidhva Navami ritual is followed mainly in North India.
If it is not possible to perform the Avidha Navami on the appropriate date (tithi), it may be performed on a later appropriate date till the sun reaches the Scorpio solar sign.
In the rituals, instead of deities, demigods known as dhurilochan whose eyes remain half closed are invoked. Dhuri means smoke and lochan means eyes; their eyes remain half closed due to smoke.
In some regions, the Shradh rituals are not performed on the day. Instead food or meal is offered to the married woman’s soul. Some people also feed a Sumangali (married women) on the day.
Avidhva Navami ritual is followed mainly in North India.
If it is not possible to perform the Avidha Navami on the appropriate date (tithi), it may be performed on a later appropriate date till the sun reaches the Scorpio solar sign.