Why Tarpan Water Flows From the Thumb During Mahalaya Amavasya

Mahalaya Amavasya is the last day of a Hindu period called Pitru Paksha.

People use this time to remember and honor family members who have died.

One ritual is called Tarpan, in which water is offered while prayers are said.

The water is traditionally poured from a part of the hand near the base of the thumb, called Pitru Tirtha.

The article says this hand position distinguishes offerings for ancestors from offerings for deities or sages.

Some people also offer black sesame seeds.

Many perform Shradh on this day, especially if they do not know the exact date an ancestor died.

In 2026, Mahalaya Amavasya falls on October 10.