Pitra Paksha ‘”fortnight of the ancestors”‘

Pitra Paksha is a 16-lunar day period in the Hindu calendar when Hinduspay homage to their ancestors especially through Tarpana, Pinda DanamFood offerings) and Shraaddha. Paksha holds deep spiritual and religiousimportance in Hinduism.

It is believed that during this period, the souls of deceased ancestors descend to Earth to receive offerings from their living descendants. It begins with the Pratipada Tithi of Krishna Paksha. During this auspicious period, rituals and offerings are made to honour and remember departed ancestors, making it an essential time for paying respects to forefathers. . Culture and traditions as explained in Hindu scriptures makes us see godliness not only in every living being in this universe, but also in those who left their body. One of the important tradition in Hinduism followed since ancient times is paying homage to our ancestors. Pitra Paksha is one among such traditions followed by Hindus every year.

According to Hindu scriptures, the soul will wander in several worlds till it gets the next body. Soul has to enter the next body based on the law of Karma. Sanatana Dharma also talks about the liberation in human
life. This is a state where the soul will never take the body anymore. Mokshaor liberation is achieved only through selfless actions or godly activities.

People express their heartfelt gratitude towards their ancestors who
passed away in the lineage during this 16-days of ‘Pitra Paksha’. Hindusremember their ancestors by offering prayers by way of rituals as per the scriptures on the day of Shraadh or Pitra Paksha. The 16-day period of
“Shraadh” mostly falls in the month of September. This occasion of Shraadhis also a way of expressing heartfelt gratitude towards our lineage for everything our ancestors have helped in the life and for what we are now.

It is believed that the departed soul becomes satisfied and peaceful whenthese rituals are performed by their beloved ones. This helps the soul to burn bad karmas and get a body to reach the state of liberation. In Hinduism, purity is of utmost importance, and these rituals should beperformed with sincere intentions and heartfelt emotions. For those afflicted by Pitra Dosha, this period is a favourable time to seek relief by performing the Pitra Dosha Puja. Mahalaya amavasya or Sarvapitri Amavasya.

Mahalaya amavasya, also called Sarvapitri Amavasya, Pitra Moksha Amavasya or Pitru Amavasya is observed on the last of the pitra paksha, the ‘fortnight of the ancestors’ and is also the most significant day of this period. The rituals of Mahalaya amavasya are performed to receive blessings, welfare and prosperity. As per Hindu scriptures that if a person fails to observe the shraddha of their ancestors during the first 15 days or the death date is not known, then the ‘tarpan’ on their behalf can be observed on the day of
‘Sarvapitra Moksha Amavasya’.

Mahalaya Amavasya is the powerful culminating day of the Pitra Paksha, to satiate the restless souls of your ancestors by performing Tarpanam (ancestral rituals). Astronomically, on this special New Moon day, Sun and Moon together exert their gravitational pull on earth and its creatures, thus elevating their energy to a
higher level.

According to sacred texts, offering Tarpanam on this day is considered very auspicious and meritorious. This Amavasiya is intended for all ancestors, irrespective of the lunar day they died. It is the most important day of the Pitru Paksha. If you miss offering Tarpanam on any or all of the 14 days of the apitra paksha, you can appease them on this powerful New Moon. This day is also ideal for offering Tarpanam to those who die an unnatural death by weapons or accidents.