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Mandya: A large number of devotees thronged the banks of the Cauvery river at Srirangapatna in Mandya district on Saturday to perform rituals on the occasion of Mahalaya Amavasya, the last day of "Pitru Paksha", the fortnight devoted to ancestors, according to the Hindu faith.

Devotees from various parts of Karnataka and other states visited the riverbanks and designated 'Shraaddha centres' to offer prayers for their departed ancestors on the occasion of Mahalaya, also called 'Pitru Moksha' Amavasya, new moon for the salvation of departed ones.

The rituals -- 'Pinda Pradana' and 'Tila Tarpana' -- were performed at Cauvery Sangam, Snanaghatta, Gosai Ghat and Paschimavahini, among other locations, drawing large crowds.
Pinda Pradana is a Hindu ancestral rite in which offerings, traditionally made from cooked rice are prepared into small balls called 'Pindas' and offered to departed ancestors. Tila Tarpana involves offering water mixed with black sesame seeds as a mark of reverence and remembrance.
These rituals are traditionally believed to honour departed souls and invoke their blessings for the family's well-being. Mahalaya Amavasya, which falls during Pitru Paksha, is considered an auspicious occasion for performing ancestral rites.
The influx of devotees has also led to increased traffic in the riverside areas of Srirangapatna.


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