In Odisha, the Baisakh month holds special significance as
it is the first month in the traditional Odia calendar. The arrival of Vaisakh
Mala Amavasya is thus greeted with reverence and observance by many Hindu
communities.
On this day, some people observe a fast, abstaining from
food and certain activities as a form of devotion and purification. Fasting is
a common practice in Hinduism and is believed to help individuals spiritually
connect with the divine.
Vaisakh Mala Amavasya is regarded as the darkest day in the
Hindu calendar. Despite its association with darkness, it is seen as an
auspicious time to perform pujas (rituals) and rituals dedicated to ancestors
who have passed away. Hindus believe that honoring ancestors on this day can
bring peace to their souls and blessings to the living.
Various ceremonies, including tarpana (offering of water to
ancestors), pinda pradana (offering of rice balls), and other rituals, are
performed with devotion and sincerity. These acts of reverence serve to
strengthen familial bonds and uphold traditions passed down through
generations.
Overall, Vaisakh Mala Amavasya is a time for reflection,
spiritual renewal, and honoring the connections between the living and the
departed. It symbolizes the cyclical nature of life and the importance of
remembering and paying homage to one's ancestors.