On the 14th of October 2023, a large number of citizens came together to participate in the annual Pitru Shraddha ceremony. This event marked the occasion of Sarvapitri amavasya, intended to honour all ancestors on the new moon day. The day coincided with Mahalaya and held great significance as it marked the last day of the 16-day-long Pitri Paksha, which began on the 29th of September 2023. Performing a Shraddha ritual on this day is considered highly auspicious. People offered black teel, water, and food to their ancestors, seeking blessings and wishing for the peaceful rest of their departed souls.

As it was the final day of Pitru Paksha, a large number of people were seen performing the Shraddha ceremony for their forefathers. The Pitru Paksha starts on a full moon day and concludes on a new moon day, with the annual Shraddh being a custom among Hindus to offer teel, water, and food to their ancestors.

"Performing Shraddha during the time of Pitru Paksha is considered extremely important for the departed souls to rest in peace. Tarpan, during the time of Shraddha, is equally necessary to get rid of Pitra Dosh," explained priest Nirupam Mukherjee from Vashi Temple, who guided around 250 people in performing tarpan on this day.

The Navi Mumbai Bengali Association organized a mass Shraddha ceremony at the natmandir of the club premises in Vashi. Around 250 people, including several women, participated in the ceremony and had the opportunity to offer til-tarpan to their forefathers. The association efficiently accommodated 25 persons at a time in every batch, and the ceremony was conducted by Head priest of Kali temple, Shri Nirupam Mukherjee. High benches were provided for the comfort of senior citizens.

While conducting the Shraddha ceremony, Nirupam Mukherjee shared its significance, saying, "According to Brahmapurana, before worshipping God, a person should worship their ancestors to appease God. Ancestors are the first to be worshipped before performing any virtuous rituals. People usually perform tarpan during this Pitra Paksha just before welcoming Devi Durga on Devi Paksha, which commences from the immediate next day."

In the early morning, before sunrise, many people gathered at the banks of various local ponds to perform pitra tarpan. Residents were seen at Ganesh Pond in sector 26 Vashi early in the morning with their priests. Many participated in a tonsure ceremony before the ritual and took a bath after performing Shraddha at the pond's bank. One priest explained, "During Shraddha Paksha, it is essential to offer food to Brahmins. Feeding Brahmins during Shraddha Paksha is believed to ensure that your 'pitra' or deceased relatives bless you with prosperity and happiness."