The Amavasya of the Bhadrapada month is known as Kushagrahani Amavasya, also called Pitri Amavasya. This day is considered exceptionally important for performing memorial rituals and appeasing ancestors. The use of Kush is also considered very auspicious on this day.
The Vedas and Puranas emphasize the special significance of Kush during worship and the performance of ancestral memorial rites. There is a belief that Kush collected on Kushagrahani Amavasya can be stored throughout the year and used in religious practices, worship, and rituals.
Pitri Amavasya Date 2026
According to Drik Panchang, the date of Pitri Amavasya will begin on September 10th at 10:33 AM and end on September 11th at 8:56 AM. Therefore, Pitri Amavasya will be observed on September 10th.
Auspicious Time for Bathing and Offerings on Pitri Amavasya 2026
The time for bathing and making offerings on Pitri Amavasya is scheduled from 4:31 AM to 5:17 AM.
Pitri Amavasya Ritual
On this day, mothers observe a fast for the longevity and well-being of their children, taking a bath before sunrise and making a vow. Symbolic figures of 64 Yoginis and Saptamatrikas are created from rice flour (pit) for worship. These figures are placed on an altar covered with red cloth, and after worshipping Ganesha, they are offered roli, turmeric, kumkum, durva, red flowers, and items from wedding ceremonies. Then, offerings of dishes made from dough and kisha are made, followed by reading the story of Pitri Amavasya, and finally, after Aarti, food, clothing, and gifts are presented to elder women and Brahmins as a sign of receiving blessings for the protection of descendants.
Why is Kush Used in Worship and Practice?
Kush is used not only during worship but also as a seat. It is believed that when a person meditates or chants mantras, spiritual energy circulates in their body. A cushion made of Kush helps prevent this energy from leaking into the ground, which is why it is valued in meditative practices and religious activities.
The Connection Between Kush and Lord Vishnu
There is a mythological story explaining the high sanctity of Kush. According to the Matsya Purana, when Lord Vishnu took the avatar Varaha, hair fell from his body, which became the source of Kush. This is why Kush is considered extremely sacred, and the tradition of its use in religious purposes began because of this.
It is also considered auspicious on Kushagrahani Amavasya to water the peepal tree. In many places, there is a tradition of lighting a lamp near the peepal tree to appease ancestors. If a person's natal chart indicates defects related to Shani or Rahu, they may perform Jalabhishek Shiva according to their faith and family traditions.