On now: about 26 Sept to 10 Oct 2026
Pitru Paksha
The fortnight of the ancestors, when water, sesame and rice balls are offered to the dead of the family.
About Pitru Paksha
Pitru Paksha, the fortnight of the ancestors, runs from the full moon to the new moon in the autumn month of Bhadrapada or Ashvina. Each family performs shraddha on the lunar day on which a relative died, offering water mixed with sesame (tarpana) and balls of rice (pinda) to the three generations before them, with a priest reciting verses. The belief is that the offerings sustain the departed on their way and satisfy their debt to the descendants, and that neglected ancestors may bring trouble. Crows are fed, because they are held to carry the offering to the dead, and Gaya in Bihar is the most famous place for the rites. The fortnight is considered a poor time for weddings and new ventures, and the last day, Mahalaya Amavasya, is for all ancestors.
Also part of it, and being written: Pitru Paksha (The fortnight of the ancestors.), Śrāddha (The rite performed for the dead.), Pinda (The rice balls offered.), Tarpana (The water offering.).
Written by the EveryJaadu desk with AI assistance. Background: "Pitru Paksha" on Wikipedia. Customs differ from place to place and family to family, and are described as belief and practice. If this is your tradition and we have it wrong, tell us.