Pitr Paksha
The dark fortnight of Ashvina [September-October] is known as Pitr Paksha or Mahalaya Paksha. This is an occasion to perform rites for the departed ancestors to keep their souls indebted for years. Pitra Paksha is performed for the departed immediate relatives usually up to 3 preceding generations.
Pitra Paksha is performed from the 1st day / tithi of the Ashwin month and goes up to the following New Moon [Amavasya] day. Each of these 15 days is dedicated to the Sraddha of those ancestors who had met eternity on that particular day / tithi.
Pitrapaksha is the occasion to repay debt to our departed ancestors by satisfying their souls by performing rites. For this purpose Shraddha is performed with a belief that the dead ones would be alive amongst us. Yamaraja, the Lord of death allows the souls to come down to the earth and receive offers from their descendants. This practice is made to the dead pitris. The last day of this period, the new moon day, is considered as the most important day in the year for performing obsequies and rites.
Significance
The day of Pitr Paksha or Mahalaya Amavasya has great significance and importance for all Hindus residing in India and abroad. It is the annual festival for propitiating the spirits of our ancestors, with devout prayers for peace. Hence performing the rites of Shraddha on this day would gratify the souls of our ancestors for years.
According to Hindu religious belief, on the Mahalaya Amavasya, there is a conjunction of the sun and the moon and that the sun enters the sign Virgo [Kanya]. On this day, the departed ancestors leave their abode of Yama and come down to the earth to take rites from their descendants.
The most vital difference between Funeral rites and Shraddha is that, while funeral rites are considered inauspicious, Shraddha is considered auspicious and gratifying.
Rituals
According to Hindu mythology and beliefs, there are three main debts – Devarina [Debt to the gods], Rishirina [Debt to the Guru] and Petranina [Debt to the forefathers]. Although most people prefer to perform Shraddhas at their homes but performing Shradhas at holy places like Gaya, Varanasi, Haridwar and some other holy places like Badrinath also has been accorded much greater significance. Many Hindus perform the Sraddha or Pitr Paksha at these places also.
Generally Shraddha is performed by the eldest son or some other elder male member of the family who in honor of the dead offers oblations. Part of the food offering is also given to the cows and the crows.
After the Shraddha is performed, the deceased attains a position among the Petris or Divine Fathers in their blissful abode called Pitri-loka. Shradhha is generally performed by a son and is considered to be more efficacious. Ritual of Shraddha should be performed for one’s grandfather, father on the paternal side and the mother etc on the maternal side.
Hindus residing in India and abroad observe this dark fortnight by taking bath thrice, with partial fasting, etc. Brahmins are also fed and gifts are offered to the poor. Pindas or balls of rice and meal are offered to the dead relatives by the surviving relatives.
Many hindu families perform Shaddha or the Pitr Paksha by offering specially made sweets and food to the departed soul through Tarpan, offering food to Cow, Swan [dog], Crow and Keet [insects]. After the Tarpan, food is offered to Brahmins and finally the Brahmins are offered new clothes and Dakshina. The head of the family remains on fast till this whole process is completed and only after this the entire family takes the same food as Prasada.
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