Pitru Paksha, also known as Shraddha Paksha, is a 16-day period in the Hindu lunar calendar (Bhadrapada – usually September–October) dedicated to performing rituals for one’s deceased ancestors (Pitrs). It is believed that during this time, the spirits of ancestors descend to Earth, and offering them Tarpan, Pind Daan, and food ensures their peace and blessings for the living descendants.

🕉️ Spiritual Significance

• Honoring ancestors through Shraddha helps in repaying the Pitru Rin (ancestral debt).
• It is believed to bring peace to the souls of ancestors, and protection, health, and prosperity to the family.
• According to the Garuda Purana and Matsya Purana, performing Pitru Paksha rituals grants moksha (liberation) to ancestral souls.

🙏 Pitru Paksha Puja Rituals

• Who Should Perform?
  • The eldest male member (or female if no male is available) of the family typically performs the rites.
  • It is especially important for those whose parents or close relatives have passed away.
• Tithi Importance:
  • Perform the puja on the tithi (lunar day) on which the ancestor passed away.

🌾 Puja Procedure (Shraddha Puja)

1. Purification and Setup:
   • Take a bath and wear clean traditional clothes.
   • Set up a clean area with a photo of the deceased (optional), kusha grass, water, sesame seeds, rice balls (pindas), and a deepam (lamp).
2. Tarpan (Water Offering):
   • Offer water mixed with black sesame seeds, barley, and kusha grass while chanting the names of the ancestors.
   • Recite mantras like:
     • “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya”
     • “Pitrunam Swaha, Pitrunam Idam Na Mama” (while offering water)
3. Pind Daan (Offering Rice Balls):
   • Prepare pindas using cooked rice, black sesame, ghee, and honey.
   • Offer them on a banana leaf or clean surface as food for the ancestors.
4. Brahman Bhojan (Feeding the Priests):
   • Feeding Brahmins (priests) and the poor is considered highly meritorious.
   • It symbolizes feeding the ancestors through symbolic representatives.
5. Dakshina and Donations:
   • Give clothes, money, and food to Brahmins or needy people.
   • Charity on this day is considered very auspicious.
6. Prayer and Conclusion:
   • End the puja with prayers for the peace of ancestral souls.
   • Light a lamp and incense, and pray for forgiveness and blessings.

🌼 Message of Pitru Paksha

Pitru Paksha is a time of gratitude, remembrance, and humility. It connects generations, reminding us of our roots and responsibilities toward those who came before us. By performing these rites, one not only honors their legacy but also clears karmic debts and invites divine grace into the family.