Pitru Paksha Shraddha is a significant Hindu ritual period dedicated to honoring and paying homage to deceased ancestors (Pitrs). It spans 15 lunar days in the month of Bhadrapada (usually September), during the waning phase (Krishna Paksha) of the moon.

🕉️ Spiritual Significance

  • Pitru Paksha means the “Fortnight of the Ancestors.”
  • It is believed that during this time, the souls of ancestors visit the earthly realm.
  • Performing Shraddha (ritual offerings) during this period pleases the ancestors, helps them attain peace, and brings blessings and prosperity to the family.
  • It is considered a sacred duty (Pitru Rina) of descendants to perform these rites for the peace of departed souls.

📅 When is Pitru Paksha Shraddha Observed?

  • Starts from Mahalaya Amavasya (new moon day) and continues for 15 days.
  • Falls typically in September.

🙏 Pitru Paksha Shraddha Rituals

🛕 1. Preparation

  • The place for Shraddha is usually near a holy river or water body.
  • The person performing Shraddha should be dressed in clean, traditional attire.
  • Items required include cooked rice, black sesame seeds, barley, water, kusa grass (darbha), ghee, flowers, and fruits.

🪔 2. Important Rituals

  • Tarpan: Offering water mixed with sesame seeds and barley to ancestors.
  • Pinda Daan: Offering rice balls (pindas) symbolizing the body to ancestors.
  • Recitation of Mantras: Chanting specific mantras and names of forefathers.
  • Feeding Brahmins or priests: As part of charity and to invoke blessings.
  • Shraddha Ceremony: Includes invocation, offerings, and prayers to ancestors.

🌟 Benefits of Performing Pitru Paksha Shraddha

  • Eases the souls of departed ancestors and grants them peace.
  • Removes ancestral curses or doshas.
  • Brings harmony, prosperity, and good health to descendants.
  • Fulfills sacred duty towards ancestors and maintains family traditions.

🎉 Cultural Aspects

  • In many families, the eldest son or male descendants perform the rituals.
  • In some traditions, people visit pilgrimage sites or holy rivers to perform Shraddha.
  • Special food is prepared and shared as part of the ritual.
  • Charity, especially feeding the poor, is encouraged during this time.