Pitra Paksha (also called Shraddh Paksha or Mahalaya Paksha) is a 16-day period in the Hindu lunar calendar dedicated to honoring and offering prayers to ancestors. It usually falls in the month of Bhadrapada (August–September), starting the day after the full moon (Purnima) and ending on the new moon (Amavasya), known as Sarva Pitru Amavasya.
Significance
- Hindus believe that during this time, the souls of departed ancestors (Pitrs) visit the earth to receive offerings from their descendants.
- Performing rituals like tarpan (offering water), pind daan (offering food balls made of rice, barley, and sesame), and Shraddh helps bring peace to the souls and ensures blessings for the family.
- It’s also considered an act of gratitude and duty (pitru rin), fulfilling one’s responsibility toward the ancestors.
Rituals
- Food offerings are made to Brahmins, cows, crows, and needy people, as they are believed to represent messengers of the Pitrs.
- Special prayers and mantras are chanted to seek blessings for prosperity, health, and spiritual upliftment.
- The rituals are usually done at home or on riverbanks and holy places like Gaya, Varanasi, and Prayagraj in India.
Beliefs
- Performing Shraddh during Pitra Paksha ensures the ancestors’ souls attain peace and liberation.
- Neglecting it is believed to cause difficulties or obstacles in family life.
Pitra Paksha (also called Shraddh Paksha or Mahalaya Paksha) is a 16-day period in the Hindu lunar calendar dedicated to honouring and offering prayers to ancestors. It usually falls in the month of Bhadrapada (August–September), starting the day after the full moon (Purnima) and ending on the new moon (Amavasya), known as Sarva Pitru Amavasya.