1️⃣ Annual Pratyabdika vs. Mahalaya Shraddha

Pratyabdika Shraddha is an annual mandatory Nitya karma observed specifically for departed parents on their exact demise Maasa, Paksha, and Tithi determined by Aparahna Vyapini (1:30 PM – 4:00 PM). Mahalaya Shraddha is an annual community offering during Pitru Paksha (Bhadrapada Bahula) dedicated to all ancestors across paternal and maternal lineages (Karunika Pitrus).

2️⃣ Corresponding Tithi in Mahalaya Paksha

Regardless of whether the demise occurred in Shukla or Krishna Paksha in any month of the year, the corresponding Mahalaya Shraddha is observed on the same Tithi during Bhadrapada Bahula (Krishna) Paksha (e.g., Shukla Dashami demise $\rightarrow$ Bhadrapada Bahula Dashami).

3️⃣ Rule When Demise Occurs in Mahalaya Paksha

If an ancestor passed away during Bhadrapada Bahula Paksha itself, Shastra mandates performing the Pratyabdika Shraddha on that exact Tithi. Because two shraddhas cannot be performed on the same calendar day (Ekasmin ahani nivaapadvayam na kuryaat), Mahalaya Shraddha must NOT be performed on that day — it should be observed on Mahalaya Amavasya (Sarva Pitru Amavasya).

4️⃣ First Year Rule (Prathama Varsha / Abdika)

During the first year of passing, before the completion of the first annual Abdika and Sapindikarana rites, Mahalaya Shraddha is not performed for the newly departed soul. The karta performs Mahalaya only for earlier generations without invoking the new soul.

5️⃣ Special Tithis during Mahalaya Paksha

• • Avadhava Navami (Bahula Navami): Dedicated with high merit to departed mothers and sumangalis.
• • Madhyashtami (Bahula Ashtami): Highly sacred midpoint of Pitru Paksha.
• • Yati Mahalaya (Bahula Dwadashi): Exclusively reserved for ascetics and sanyasis.
• • Ghata Chaturdashi (Bahula Chaturdashi): Observed only for sudden, unnatural, or weapon deaths. For natural demise, Shastra forbids Chaturdashi and directs to Mahalaya Amavasya.
• • Ekadashi: Strict fasting day (Hari Dina); no shraddha meals. Shifted to Dwadashi or Amavasya.
• • Mahalaya Amavasya: The universal Sarva Pitru Amavasya offering for all departed souls.