Pitru-paksha shraddha - A way of expressing gratitude to our deceased forefathers

Traditions for pacification of souls of ancestors after death exist not only in Bharat but also in foreign countries. It is the concept based to express our gratitude’s towards them. The term ‘Shraddha’ has originated from ‘Shraddhaa’ (faith). It is impossible to repay the various favours, which our deceased forefathers have done for us. The ritual performed for them with complete faith is known as Shraddha. This has to be done through bhav (spiritual emotion).

 It is performed to pay respect and offer moksha to our departed ancestor soul.The dark fortnight in the Hindu lunar month of Bhadrapad is termed as ‘Pitru-paksha’.

The shraddha performed in Pitru-paksha is called Mahalaya shraddha. It is believed that if Mahalaya shraddha is performed for the pitars during this fortnight, they remain satisfied throughout the year. As per the Hindu Panchang, Shradh or 'Pitra Paksha' is observed from the 1st Tithi of the Ashwin Maas and continues till New Moon Day (Amavasya) .

Day before the shraddha tithi was marked as havik. During this day, the performers of the shraddha, fast to cleanse their souls before facing their ancestors-turned-demi-gods next day. They prepare their own food and evening serve it to cow before breaking the fast.

Pinda (rounded heap of rice, cow’s milk, Ghee, til and honey) dan, Tarpan (offering water with black sesame seed, kusha grass & white flowers), Feeding the Brahmin and people are the basic process of ritual performance. It is a symbolic way of offering to pitras in the form of pinda.

This period is dedicated to the ancestors, hence one must refrain consuming non-vegetarian food items and alcohol, as they are regarded as worldly pleasures that may act as obstacles in the way of liberating the soul of the ancestors (pitra) from the cycle of Birth and Death.