Pitru Paksha, also known as Mahalaya or the fortnight of the ancestors, is a sixteen-day lunar period in the Hindu calendar dedicated entirely to honoring deceased ancestors (Pitrus). It occurs during the Krishna Paksha of the Ashwin month and culminates with Sarva Pitru Amavasya, the new moon day when all ancestors are collectively remembered.
The central belief behind Pitru Paksha is that the souls of departed ancestors reside in the Pitru Loka, a realm between heaven and earth, and depend on the offerings of their descendants to sustain themselves and progress spiritually. Rituals performed during this fortnight provide nourishment, peace, and momentum toward liberation.
Each day of Pitru Paksha is associated with a specific type of offering or a particular ancestor. Families perform Shraddha, Tarpan, and Pind Daan, often under the guidance of a priest, using black sesame seeds, Kusha grass, rice balls, and water. The food offered is traditionally cooked with great care and served first to crows, cows, dogs, and priests before the family eats.
Beyond ancestral rites, Pitru Paksha is a time for reflection, charity, and forgiveness. It reminds devotees of the continuity of family lineage, the importance of gratitude, and the belief that honoring one's ancestors brings blessings, prosperity, and the resolution of Pitru Dosha in the family.
