‘Pitru Paksha’ is a significant period in the Hindu calendar dedicated to honour and pay homage to one’s ancestors (Pitrs). It typically lasts for 16 Lunar days during the waning phase of the Moon in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada (usually falling between September and October).  This year, ‘Pitru Paksha’ starts  on 17 September 2024, and ends on 2 October 2024.

I would not be wrong if I say, Pitri Paksh is likely the most significant season during which Hindus honour their ancestors with love, prayer, fasting, and reverence for their forebears’ sacrifices.

 

Spiritual and Cultural Importance:

Shradh is a way to express gratitude to one’s ancestors and acknowledge the unbroken lineage of life. Hindus believe that through this ritual, they maintain a connection with their ancestors and receive their blessings, ensuring peace and prosperity in their present life.

The Hindu scriptures emphasize the importance of ancestral reflections, stating that sons who perform rituals in remembrance of their ancestors achieve merit and are blessed tenfold more than those who worship different forms of God.  Hindus endure lives of obligation and debt! This does not imply that one’s life is burdened, but the ideals of Sanatan Dharma guarantee that Hindus recognise the significance of everyday life.

It is a time for reflection and remembrance, as  Hindus believe that the souls of their departed loved ones come back to visit during this time, looking for blessings and peace.

This period is devoted to performing rituals, known as ‘Shradh’ or ‘Tarpan’, to express gratitude and ensure the well-being of the departed souls in their afterlife.

Note: Shradh or Shraddha is a Sanskrit term that encapsulates acts performed with deep sincerity, devotion  and faith)

 

Key aspects of Pitru Paksha and Shradh

 1.    Importance in Hindu Tradition: Pitru Paksha is considered one of the most auspicious times for expressing gratitude toward one’s ancestors. It is believed that performing Shraddha with devotion can remove obstacles, bring blessings, and ensure the prosperity of the family

2.    Spiritual Significance:

·      The belief behind Pitru Paksha is that the souls of deceased ancestors reside in the Pitru Loka (a realm between heaven and earth), and by performing Shradh or Shraddha  their souls are nourished and pacified. This helps them attain liberation (moksha) or a better rebirth.

·      It is also considered essential for receiving the blessings of ancestors, which are believed to ensure prosperity, health, and happiness for the family.

 

3.    Rituals and Offerings:

·      Offering Food to Ancestors: A symbolic plate of food is prepared and placed in front of a picture or representation of the ancestors. This food is then offered to Brahmins or the needy after the ritual

·      Pind Daan: The main component of Shradh is offering Pindas, which are round balls made of cooked rice, barley flour, and sesame seeds. These symbolize the body and nourishment for the departed souls.

·      Tarpan: This involves offering water mixed with black sesame seeds to the ancestors while chanting specific mantras. The water is poured facing south, the direction associated with the ancestors.

·      Feeding Brahmins and Cows: After the ritual offerings, food is served to Brahmins, which is believed to please the ancestors. Feeding cows, birds, and the poor is also part of the ritual.

 

4.    Date or Tithi (Date of Death) when Shradh is Performed

·      Shradh is performed on the specific ‘Tithi’ (Lunar day) that corresponds to the death of the ancestor.

·      For those who do not know the exact date of death, they perform the rites on ‘Sarvapitru Amavasya’ also known as ‘Mahalaya Amavasya’, the last day of ‘Pitru Paksha’, which is dedicated to all ancestors.

·      Also  performing Shradh on any Amavasya (new moon) is also believed to benefit the ancestors.

 

5.    Who Can Perform Shradh?

·      The responsibility of performing Shradh traditionally lies with the eldest son or male member of the family. However, in modern times, many women also perform Shradh for their ancestors.

·      If a son is not available, other male relatives or even close family friends can perform the ritual.

 

6.    Things to Avoid: During Pitru Paksha, it is customary to avoid auspicious events like weddings, buying new properties, or starting new ventures, as the period is considered inauspicious for such activities.

   

 Ravinder Grover 

Disclaimer: ‘Without Prejudice’.  I offer my insight to Astrology solely based on my learnings of astrology principles and techniques,  some  of them learnt from the Sages of the highest order. These predictions are offered for guidance purpose only.   I offer absolute no guarantee on my calculations and analysis. These predictions are not intended to harm anyone by any means.  I expressly disclaim all warranties, implied or contingent, for making use of these predictions, for incurring any loss, loss of profit or in any manner. No notice or advice from anyone  will create any liability whatsoever