Vaavubali - Homage to Ancestors and Departed Souls

Paying Homage to Ancestors and Departed Souls

Br. Ramanandamrita Chaitanya will be leading a special Tila Homa and guided Puja for paying homage to ancestors and departed souls on Monday, July 17. The event will be hybrid, with in-person attendance at M.A. Center DC and online (Youtube).

Being the tradition to perform the Puja on the new moon day of the lunar month of Kardida (Malayalam calendar), people pay homage to the departed soul of the dear ones.

The event begins with Br. Ramanandamrita Chaitanya performing the Tila Homa (for peace of one's ancestors and seeking their blessings) at 6 am (Eastern) followed by guided Puja for individuals to perform, paying obeisance to the departed souls and ancestors.

Schedule

6:00 am (Eastern): Tila Homa Homa (fire ceremony) conducted for departed souls, to be performed 45 days after death or later; for peace of one's ancestors and to receive the blessings of ancestors.
After Homa: Guided Pitru Pooja (offering for ancestors/departed souls performed by each individual)

Registration

Tila Homa and Pitr Pooja ($190) - Register here if you wish to

Pitr Pooja alone (donation of any amount) - Donate here

For in-person attendees

• Venue: M.A. Center DC, 9109 Harrington Drive, Potomac, MD 20854
• Items for the puja will be provided for you.
• We encourage you to arrive by 5:45 AM to check-in and be seated even if you are only attending the Pitru Puja.
• Prasad will be served after Puja.

For online attendees

• You can join the event on M.A. Center East Coast Youtube page  (if the link changes, it would be updated here)
• Items to be secured to perform the puja at your end (step by step guidance will be provided)
  • Small plates (one for placing the items and the other for performing puja)
  • Bowl with water
  • Spoon
  • Small lamp or candle
  • Small bowl with akshata (rice grains mixed with turmeric powder)
  • Small bowl with black sesame seeds
  • Pinda - a ball made out of cooked rice (big enough to fit into our palm)
  • Flower petals
  • Darbha Grass (if available)
  • Sandalwood paste (if available)
  • Camphor and a container (to perform arati), if available
  • Please do no worry if any of the items are unavailable.