Pitru Paksha is an important period in the Hindu calendar, dedicated to remembering and honoring the departed souls of ancestors. This 15-day ritual, observed during the lunar month of Ashvin (usually September-October), is a time for families to perform various rites, including offering prayers, food, and water to their ancestors. The purpose of Pitru Paksha is to express gratitude to those who came before us, while ensuring their peace in the afterlife and seeking their blessings for prosperity and harmony in the present life.
The Spiritual Significance of Pitru Paksha-
The word “Pitru” refers to ancestors, and “Paksha” means fortnight or period. During this time, families carry out rituals to ensure that their ancestors’ souls are at peace and are guided towards Moksha, or liberation. According to Hindu beliefs, the souls of ancestors may sometimes remain in a restless state, needing offerings and prayers from their descendants to attain spiritual liberation. Pitru Paksha provides an opportunity to rectify any spiritual debts, heal ancestral connections, and seek blessings for family prosperity and well-being.