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Shraddha and Pitru Paksha: remembering ancestors

Shraddha is a Hindu ritual for deceased ancestors. Mahalaya is the most important day of the fortnight.

Last checked: 2 Nov 2026 · 2 sources

What is Shraddha

Shraddha is a Hindu ritual performed for one's deceased ancestors. (Source: Wikipedia, Shraddha)

When is Pitru Paksha

Pitru Paksha is a 16-lunar-day span in the Hindu calendar. In southern and western India it falls in the second fortnight of Bhadrapada, right after Ganesh Utsav; in North India and Nepal it may instead fall in the waning fortnight of Ashvina. Tarpana, an offering of holy water to ancestors, is one of the death rites performed in this period, alongside Shraddha. (Source: Wikipedia, Pitru Paksha)

Mahalaya

Mahalaya Amavasya is the no-moon day that closes the period, called the most important day of Pitri Paksha. It is intended for all ancestors regardless of when they died, and is the day for anyone who missed a Shraddha to perform it. In Bengal, Mahalaya usually marks the start of Durga Puja. Bengalis traditionally rise early to hear hymns from the Devi Mahatmya, and ancestral offerings are made at homes and puja pandals. (Source: Wikipedia, Pitru Paksha)

Pinda, food and who performs it

Pinda dana offers balls of rice and barley flour mixed with ghee and black sesame, along with water. Offerings are cooked in silver or copper vessels and served on banana leaves or leaf cups, and required items include kheer, lapsi, rice, dal, guar beans and yellow gourd. It is usually performed by the eldest son or another male relative on the paternal side, covering up to three preceding generations. (Source: Wikipedia, Pitru Paksha)

A Shraddha on Sarvapitri Amavasya is considered as fruitful as one done in Gaya. Gaya hosts an annual Pitri Paksha Mela on the Falgu River, where pilgrims offer pinda. (Source: Wikipedia, Pitru Paksha)

💡 Tarpan and Shraddha customs vary by family, so ask a priest or elders. See dates on our Mahalaya 2027 and Pitru Paksha 2027 pages.

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