The dark fortnight of Ashvin (September-October) is known as Pitr Paksha, Pitru Paksha or Mahalaya Paksha. This is an occasion to perform rites for the departed ancestors to keep their souls indebted for years. Pitr Paksha is performed for the departed immediate relatives usually up to 3 preceding generations.

Pitr Paksha is performed from the 1st day / tithi of the Ashwin month and goes up to the following New Moon (Amavasya) day. Each of these 15 days is dedicated to the Shradh of those ancestors who had met eternity on that particular day / tithi.

Pitr paksha is the occasion to repay debt to our departed ancestors by satisfying their souls by performing rites. For this purpose “Shradh” is performed with a belief that our dead ones souls are alive amongst us. Yamaraja, the Lord of death allows the souls to come down to the earth and receive offers from their descendants. This practice is made to the dead “pitris”. The last day of this period, the new moon day, is considered as the most important day in the year for performing obsequies and rites.

Pitru Paksha, also known as Shraddha Paksha, is a significant period in the Hindu lunar calendar dedicated to honoring and paying homage to deceased ancestors. This 16-lunar-day period falls in the Bhadrapada month of the Hindu calendar, usually spanning September to October. The ritualistic observances during Pitru Paksha are aimed at ensuring the peace and well-being of the souls of ancestors and seeking their blessings for the family’s prosperity.

Historical and Cultural Significance

Pitru Paksha finds its roots in ancient Hindu scriptures and traditions. The term "Pitru" translates to "ancestors" or "forefathers," while "Paksha" means "fortnight." Thus, Pitru Paksha is essentially a "fortnight for ancestors." The significance of this period is deeply rooted in the belief that during these days, the spirits of the deceased are believed to descend to earth and are present to receive offerings made by their descendants.

This sacred period reflects the Hindu principle of Pitr-Dharma, which emphasizes the importance of honoring one’s forebears as a means to attain spiritual merit and maintain family continuity. By performing specific rituals, Hindus express gratitude to their ancestors for their past contributions and seek their blessings for the future.

Pitru Paksha is a sacred time for Hindus to connect with their ancestral past and perform rituals that honor the souls of deceased family members. It is a period of reflection, gratitude, and spiritual merit-making. By participating in the rituals and practices of Pitru Paksha, Hindus not only express reverence for their ancestors but also seek their blessings for the well-being and prosperity of the family.

In essence, Pitru Paksha serves as a reminder of the enduring bond between the living and the departed, emphasizing the importance of family heritage and spiritual continuity.

Rituals and Practices

1. Shraddha Ceremony

One of the central rituals of Pitru Paksha is the Shraddha ceremony. This involves the performance of sacred rites to offer respect and food to the ancestors. The ceremony typically includes:

  • Preparation of Pinda: Special food offerings called Pinda are prepared, usually made from rice, barley, and sesame seeds mixed with ghee. These offerings are placed on a leaf or a clean surface and presented to the ancestors.

  • Offering of Tarpan: Tarpan, a ritual offering of water mixed with black sesame seeds, is made to appease the souls of the deceased. This act symbolizes the offering of sustenance to the ancestors.

2. Pind Daan

Pind Daan is another important ritual performed during Pitru Paksha. This involves the donation of food and money to Brahmins or the needy. The act of Pind Daan signifies feeding the ancestors and seeking their blessings for oneself and the family.

3. Charity and Donations

During Pitru Paksha, Hindus are encouraged to engage in charitable activities. This may include:

  • Offering Food: Distributing food to the poor and needy, including offering to animals such as cows, dogs, and crows, which are considered as symbolic representations of ancestors.

  • Performing Acts of Kindness: Donating to charitable causes or organizations is also a common practice during this period.


श्राद्ध और पितृ पक्ष में क्या करें और क्या नहीं करें ये हिंदी में पढ़ें,  क्लिक करें

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