📜 Significance:
Pitra Paksha (also known as Shraddha) is a sacred fortnight dedicated to honoring and remembering one’s ancestors (Pitrs). It is believed that during this period, the souls of ancestors visit the earthly realm, and offering rituals provide them peace, satisfaction, and blessings for the family. In Maharashtra, this tradition is observed with deep reverence, ensuring the continuity of family lineage and seeking ancestral blessings for prosperity, health, and harmony. Performing these rites is considered a fundamental duty of every Hindu.
🗓️ When It’s Performed:
- Observed in the dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha) of the month of Bhadrapada (usually September)
- Lasts for 16 lunar days, with specific rituals performed on designated days like Mahalaya Amavasya
- Poojas are performed early morning, preferably during Brahma Muhurat (pre-dawn hours)
🛐 Who Can Perform:
- Family elders, sons, or close male relatives traditionally perform the rites
- Families may also invite a Panditji to conduct the full Shraddha ceremony
- Performed at home, near sacred rivers, or at temples with ancestral shrines
📦 Puja Samagri (Items Required):
- Rice balls (Pindas) made from cooked rice and sesame seeds
- Black sesame seeds, barley, and cooked rice
- Sesame oil, ghee, and water
- Tarpana thali (offering plate) with water and sesame seeds
- Tulsi leaves, flowers, and sacred grass (darbha)
- Fruits, sweets, and cooked food (bhog) for ancestors
- Dhoop, agarbatti, diya, and camphor
- Holy fire for havan (optional)
🕯️ Main Rituals:
- Invocation of ancestors through mantras and chanting of Pitrusuktam and other Vedic hymns
- Offering of Pindas (rice balls) and Tarpana (water libations) to satisfy and honor the Pitrs
- Performing Havan or fire rituals for purification and blessings
- Feeding Brahmins or poor as a part of charity (Dana) to gain merit for ancestors
- Recitation of mantras and concluding with aarti
- Distribution of food as prasadam among family and guests
⏳ Duration:
Typically 1 to 2 hours depending on the scale of rituals
🎁 Benefits of Pitra Paksha Pooja:
- Brings peace and liberation (moksha) to departed souls
- Removes ancestral curses and negative influences
- Ensures blessings and protection from ancestors for the family
- Strengthens family bonds and lineage continuity
- Promotes mental peace, prosperity, and spiritual well-being
