According to Hindu mythology and beliefs, there are three main debts - Devarina (Debt to the gods), Rishirina (Debt to the Guru) and Petranina (Debt to the forefathers). Although most people prefer to perform Shraadhs at their homes but performing Shraadhs at holy places like Gaya, Varanasi, Haridwar and Badrinath has been accorded much greater significance.
Generally Shraadh is performed by the eldest son or some other elder male member of the family who in honor of the dead offers oblations. Part of the food offering is also given to the cows and the crows.

Hindus residing in India and abroad observe this dark fortnight by taking bath thrice, with partial fasting. Brahmins are also fed and gifts are offered to the poor. Pindas or balls of rice and meal are offered to the dead relatives by the surviving relatives.
Many Hindu families perform Shraadh or the Pitr Paksha by offering specially made sweets and food to the departed soul through “Tarpan”, offering food to Cow, Swan (dog), Crow and Keet (insects). After the Tarpan food is offered to Brahmins and finally the Brahmins are offered new clothes and Dakshina. The head of the family remains on fasting till this whole process is completed and only after this the entire family takes the same food as Prasad.
Create A beautiful Tribute to your Ancestors and Beloved ones who are no more with you:-
पितृ पक्ष के अनुष्ठानों के बारे में हिंदी में पढ़ें, क्लिक करें