Kushagrahini Amavasya, literally the new moon linked to uprooting kusha grass, is considered especially significant this year because it falls right before the Pitru Paksha amavasya. On this single day, kusha grass meant to last the entire year is pulled up and stored at home, following rules and rituals that have been passed down for generations.
Why the tradition of uprooting kusha grass is considered special
The word utpatini means to uproot, which is why this amavasya is also called Kushotpatini Amavasya. It is also known as Kushagrahini and Pithori Amavasya. Belief holds that kusha grass can only be gathered in this proper, ritual manner on this one day of the year, not on any other day. Whatever quantity of kusha is collected on this day is meant to serve every religious need for the rest of the year. This grass is used in rituals during Pitru Paksha tarpan, Ganpati Mahotsav, yagya, havan and sankalp, meaning it is required for almost every major religious observance through the year. That is exactly why this single day carries so much weight.
When Kushagrahini Amavasya falls this year
This year, the amavasya tithi falls on Thursday, September 10. Tradition holds that for Kushagrahini Amavasya, the chaturdashi tithi must also coincide with that day. The very next day, Friday, will mark the amavasya associated with bathing and charity, when devotees follow the practice of bathing in sacred rivers and performing acts of donation. This means two significant dates arrive back to back, the day for collecting kusha grass followed immediately by the day for bathing and charitable giving.
Why it matters for the tarpan of ancestors
This amavasya falls right before Pitru Paksha begins, which is exactly why the tradition of collecting kusha carries added importance this time around. It is believed that tarpan for one's ancestors should be performed using the kusha gathered on this very amavasya. During tarpan, the priest has the person performing the ritual wear a pavitri made of kusha grass on the ring finger, and this pavitri is considered an essential part of the entire tarpan process. In other words, if this kusha is gathered in time, the tarpan and shraddha rites carried out during Pitru Paksha can proceed without any interruption.
Rules and mantra for uprooting kusha
For anyone planning to uproot kusha themselves, certain specific rules are laid down. Sunrise is considered the most suitable time for this. Tradition holds that kusha should be pulled up by hand rather than cut with a tool, and that its tip, the topmost part of the blade, should be kept intact and protected. While uprooting the kusha, tradition calls for reciting the mantra, विरंचिना सहोत्पन्न परमेष्ठिन्निसर्गज, नुद सर्वाणि पापानि दर्भ स्वस्तिकरो भव. After reciting the mantra, the kusha is gathered following proper procedure and kept safe in a clean place, so that it remains available whenever needed through the year. However, this mantra and the exact method can differ somewhat across different traditions and sects, so it is considered better to follow the customs prevalent in one's own family or region.
