Kolkata, Sept. 21 -- On the occasion of Mahalaya Amavasya, a large number of devotees gathered in Kolkata for a holy dip in Ganga.

They offered prayers to their forefathers and for departed family members on this Amavasya, marking the solemn ritual with devotion.

Every year, a large number of devotees take a holy dip in various rivers across the country and perform 'Pind Daan' on the last day of Pitru Paksha, also known as Sarva Pitru Amavasya.

According to the Hindu faith, after a person's death, 'Pind Dan' done by the next generations gives their soul relief and ritualistically sends them off to a realm of peace.

Mahalaya is celebrated at the end of the month of Shradh (as per the Hindu lunar calendar) or Pitru Paksha, 16 days durin...