Why Hindus Perform Nandimukh Shraddha Today
Hariyali Amavasya aligns with Guru Pushya Yoga, holding special spiritual and ecological significance.
Chandigarh In India’s cultural heartland, the sacred observance of Hariyali Amavasya unfolds each year during the monsoon month of Sawan. This year, it falls on Thursday, July 24, 2025, coinciding with an auspicious celestial alignment Guru Pushya Nakshatra. This rare combination adds immense spiritual value to an already revered day in the Hindu calendar.
While Hariyali Amavasya literally translates to “New Moon of Greenness,” it is much more than just a celebration of nature. It is deeply intertwined with tradition, spirituality, and ecological awareness. On this day, many Hindus across the country engage in acts of devotion that include tree planting, fasting, offering prayers, and performing a lesser-known but significant ritual — the Nandimukh Shraddha.
The Nandimukh Shraddha is a pre-funeral rite performed for the peace of one’s ancestors. While the Pitru Paksha (fortnight of ancestors) is more commonly associated with Shraddha rituals, the Nandimukh Shraddha on Hariyali Amavasya carries unique significance. Many believe that performing this ritual before the main Shraddha period helps create a spiritual connection between the living and the departed souls. It is said to ensure blessings from ancestors and pave the way for family harmony, good health, and prosperity.
The timing of the ritual is also astrologically powerful. Guru Pushya Nakshatra, when Jupiter (Guru) aligns with the Pushya star, is considered highly favorable for religious activities and spiritual growth. When this Nakshatra falls on a Thursday, it becomes a ‘Guru Pushya Yoga,’ amplifying the potency of prayers and rituals performed on the day. Many devotees take this as a divine opportunity to carry out rituals with the belief that their intentions will manifest more powerfully.
Apart from the spiritual aspect, Hariyali Amavasya is also a call to nurture Mother Earth. Tree plantation drives are organized in many temples and communities across North India. The act of planting trees is symbolic of life, renewal, and the bond between human beings and nature. With the monsoon nourishing the soil, this day becomes an ideal time to grow plants that will flourish for years to come.
Temples, especially those dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, see increased footfall as devotees seek blessings for family peace, wealth, and protection from negativity. The divine feminine is also honored as the giver of fertility and abundance, making this day special for newly married couples and families expecting children.
As urban India races toward modernization, traditions like Hariyali Amavasya serve as reminders of our rich heritage and the deep ecological wisdom woven into ancient practices. It brings together spirituality, community service, and respect for the environment in a meaningful blend — a celebration where ritual meets responsibility.
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