New moon of Ashwin; farewell to the ancestors and Mahalaya, the dawn of Devi Paksha

Ashwin Amavasya is the new moon that closes Pitrupaksha and opens the season of the Goddess. As the last night of the fortnight of the ancestors, it is the day of Pitru Visarjan, when the Pitru who came to receive their descendants' offerings are bid farewell and return to Pitruloka; families light lamps facing south to illuminate their path. In Bengal and eastern India the same day is Mahalaya, which marks the end of Pitri Paksha and the beginning of Devi Paksha: before dawn households listen to Mahishasura Mardini, the recitation of the Chandi, and artisans traditionally paint the eyes of the Durga idols (Chokkhu Daan). Like every Amavasya it is favoured for holy bathing, charity, and remedies for Shani, Rahu and pitru dosha — offering water and a lamp at a peepal tree, feeding cows and crows, and donating black sesame. Because the next morning begins Sharad Navratri, many homes clean and prepare for Ghatasthapana, turning from remembrance of the ancestors to the worship of the Mother.

Some keep a fast until the tarpan is complete; a satvik diet is observed through the day.