RAMANATHAPURAM: Considered one of the most sacred days for performing Pitru Tharpanam (ritual offerings to ancestors), on the occasion of ‘Thai Amavasai’, many devotees in Tamil Nadu paid tributes to their ancestors in the early morning hours of Sunday. The devotees performed Pithurkarma puja at the Agnitheertham Kadal in Rameswaram to pray for the peace of their departed ancestors. Many devotees also paid tributes to their ancestors on this day at Harbour Beach in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu. Thai Amavasai is the no-moon day in the Tamil Month of Thai (January–February) and is very important in Tamil culture.

According to local belief, by fasting and offering special prayers on the Amavasai day of every month, their ancestors who have passed away will find peace. Special prayers, rituals and offerings are made on the day for departed souls to rest in peace. People take a holy bath in one of the sacred water bodies. Shradh and Tarpan are offered.

Tarpan (or Tarpana) primarily refers to a significant Hindu ritual of offering water, sesame seeds, and other sacred items to ancestors (Pitru), deities, and sages to satisfy them and ensure their peaceful journey.

Thousands took a dip at Rameswaram's Agnitheertham shore in the morning and offered pujas to their dead ancestors.