KNOW THE PROMINENCE OF PITRU PAKSHA AND PRACTICE YOUR FAMILY RITUAL

    

 

Mahalaya paksha is a fortnight in the month of Bhadrapada when our ancestors visit the earth, accept our sraddha offerings, bless us, and depart.

The dark fortnight of the month of Ashwin is called 'Pitru Paksha' or 'Mahalaya Paksha,' during which people perform Pind Daan for their ancestors. It is believed that performing Pind Daan grants the deceased soul moksha.

 Pitru Paksha started on September 18, 2024, and culminated with Mahalaya or Sarva Pitri Amavasya, which will be observed on October 3, 2024. Pitru Paksha is dedicated to honoring Pitru or ancestors and forefathers. This period is considered the most sacred period to worship and honor forefathers.

 Ancestor Worship is two-pronged:

(1) Tharpanam, Divasam, etc. and

 (2) Annadhaanam, i.e., feeding the poor.

Your Pitru Ancestor worship is complete only when both are done. So, give at least one packet of food to a poor person on each day of the Ancestor Fortnight.

 It is said in Hindu scriptures that if an individual cannot perform the shraddha on their ancestor's death anniversary, they can do so on Mahalaya Amavasya. On this day, it is believed that ancestors visit their living descendants. If the rituals are not performed, they return unhappy.

 According to the Brahmpurana, people should worship their ancestors before worshiping the gods, as the gods are pleased. 

It is believed that doing sraddha on different tithis during Mahalaya Paksha brings various benefits.  The concluding and most important day of Mahalaya Paksha is Mahalaya Amavasya.

Do follow your family’s rituals during pitru paksha and be blessed.