Avidhava Navami falls on October 4 during Pitru Paksha, honouring women who died before their husbands
Shraddha and tarpan are offered on the day for women who predeceased their husbands, with practices varying by region, community and family.
During Pitru Paksha, shraddha and tarpan are performed on different dates in memory of ancestors. Avidhava Navami, which falls in this period, is considered an important date for remembering married women. This year it falls on October 4.
In some traditions, the Navami tithi of Pitru Paksha is called Avidhava Navami, Savashni Navami or Matri Navami. In some families, it is the custom to perform shraddha on this day in memory of women who died before their husbands. It is religiously believed that shraddha, tarpan and charity are offered on this day for the peace of their souls. The tithi is also described as the day for worshipping suhagins, or married women.
In some places, there is also a practice of inviting a married woman home on this day and feeding her in memory of the departed women of the family. In some regions she is worshipped and then fed. It is also common to give her haldi-kumkum, flowers, clothes or items symbolising marital good fortune. This is believed to stem from a desire to remember the departed woman and honour her good fortune. In some places, the married woman is fed and her blessings are sought.
Depending on the family's tradition, shraddha, tarpan, pind daan or food donation is performed on this day. The manner of the rites can differ by region, community and family tradition.
Donating food, grain, clothes and items useful to the needy carries religious significance in Pitru Paksha. On Avidhava Navami too, some families have a tradition of giving charity according to their means.
Avidhava Navami is seen not merely as a religious date but also as a tradition of remembering departed family members, expressing gratitude and preserving their memory. It is religiously believed that shraddha, tarpan and charity performed with devotion on this day and offered to the ancestors bring their blessings.
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