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{{short description|16–lunar day period in Hindu calendar for ancestral worship}}
{{Infobox holiday
|holiday_name = Pitri Paksha
|type = Hindu
|image=Pitru Paksha 2007.jpg
|caption = Pitri Paksha rites being performed on banks of the [[Banganga Tank]] in [[Mumbai]], 2007.
|observedby = [[Hindu]]s
|date = multi-day
|begins = {{Hindu festival date}}
|ends = {{Hindu festival date|end}}
|date2013 = September 19 – October 4
|date2014 = September 9 – September 23
|date2016 = September 16 – October 1
|date2017 = September 5-19
|date2018 = September 24 – October 8
|date2019 = September 13 – September 28
|celebrations = 16 [[tithi|lunar day]]s
|observances = [[Śrāddha|Shraddha]]: paying homage to their ancestors, especially by food offerings
|relatedto = [[Galungan]], [[Veneration of the dead]]
|alt=|official_name=|nickname=|litcolor=|significance=|weekday=|month=|scheduling=|duration=16 Days|frequency=Annual|startedby=|date2020=September 1 – September 17<ref>Purnima to Amavasya Shraddha Days [https://www.drikpanchang.com/vrats/shraddhadates.html]</ref>|firsttime=
}}
{{Hindu festival date info}}
{{Hinduism}}
'''Pitru Paksha''' ({{lang-sa|पितृ पक्ष}}, {{IAST|Pitṛ pakṣa}}; [[Literal translation|lit.]] "fortnight of the paternal ancestors") is a 16–lunar day [[paksha|period]] in [[Hindu calendar]] when [[Hindus]] [[Veneration of the dead|pay homage to their ancestors]] ([[Pitrs]]), especially through food offerings. The period is also known as '''Pitri Paksha'''/'''Pitr-Paksha''', '''Pitri Pokkho''', '''Sorah Shraddha''' ("sixteen shraddhas"), '''Kanagat''', '''Jitiya''', '''Mahalaya''' (in Bengali), '''Apara Paksha''' and '''akhadpak''', '''Pitru Pandharavda or pitru paksh''' (in Marathi).<ref name=sharma>{{cite book |last=Sharma |first=Usha |year=2008 |title=Festivals In Indian Society |chapter=Mahalaya |publisher=Mittal Publications |isbn=978-81-8324-113-7 |volume=2 |pages=72–73 |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Z6OYRUEAF7oC&q=pitru%20paksha&pg=PA72}}</ref><ref name=underhill>{{cite book |last=Underhill |first=M M |year=2001 |title=The Hindu religious year |publisher=Asian Educational Services |isbn=978-81-206-0523-7 |pages=112–116|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Fb9Zc0yPVUUC&q=sraddha&pg=PA114}}</ref><ref name=vidya>{{cite book |last=Vidyarathi |first=L P |year=1978 |title=The Sacred Complex in Hindu Gaya |publisher=Concept Publishing Company |pages=13,15,33,81,110 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=S4FidiusPr0C&q=mahalaya&pg=PA34}}</ref>

Pitru Paksha is considered by Hindus to be inauspicious, given the death rite performed during the ceremony, known as [[Śrāddha|Shraddha]] or [[Tarpana]]. In southern and western India, it falls in the 2nd paksha (fortnight) [[Hindu Calendar|Hindu lunar month]] of [[Bhadrapada]] (September) and follows the fortnight immediately after [[Ganesh Utsav]]. It begins on the Pratipada (first day of the fortnight) ending with the [[Amavasya|no moon]] day known as '''Sarvapitri Amavasya''', '''Pitri Amavasya''', '''Peddala Amavasya''', '''Mahalaya Amavasya'''. The end of Pitru Paksha and the beginning of Matri Paksha is named as '''[[Mahalaya (Matripaksha)|Mahalaya]]'''. Most years, the [[Equinox|autumnal equinox]] falls within this period, i.e. the Sun transitions from the northern to the southern hemisphere during this period. In North India and Nepal, and cultures following the purnimanta calendar or the solar calendar, this period may correspond to the waning fortnight of the luni-solar month [[Ashvin|Ashvina]], instead of Bhadrapada.

== Astronomical basis ==
{{See also|Astronomical basis of the Hindu calendar#pitrpaksha}}
As per Hindu traditions, the south [[celestial sphere]] is consecrated to the ancestors (pitru). Hence, the moment when the Sun transits from the north to the south celestial sphere is considered to begin a ''day of the ancestors''. This moment is considered sacred, necessitating the performance of special religious rites. Most years, this transit occurs during Bhadrapada masa Krishna paksha (as per the amanta tradition) / Ashvina masa Krishna paksha (as per the purnimanta tradition). Hence this paksha has been designated as Pitru paksha and Hindus perform special religious rites during this entire period.

==Legend==
In Hinduism, the souls of three preceding generations of one's ancestors reside in ''Pitriloka'', a realm between heaven and earth. This realm is governed by [[Yama]], the god of death, who takes the soul of a dying man from earth to ''Pitriloka''. Only those three generations are given Shraddha rites, in which Yama plays a significant role.<ref name=Kutch>{{cite book |last=Dilipsingh |first=K S |year=2004 |title=Kutch in festival and custom |publisher=Har-Anand Publications |isbn=978-81-241-0998-4 |pages=61–64 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=oPUFiGRH07IC&q=pitru%20paksha&pg=PA66}}</ref> In Pitru Paksha, prayers are offered to bring upon [[moksha]], both for the ancestors and for those performing the rituals.<ref>{{cite news |last=Smith|first=R. V. |date=30 September 2019 |title=The ritual of ancestral worship|work=[[The Hindu]] |url=https://www.thehindu.com/society/faith/pitru-paksha-shradh-the-ritual-of-ancestral-worship/article29557890.ece|access-date=2021-11-03}}</ref> According to [[Sivananda Saraswati|Swami Sivananda]], Pitru Paksha mitigates the suffering of souls remaining in heaven before undergoing [[samsara]] or rebirth, an in the case those souls took another birth immediately after their deaths, Shradda adds to their happiness in their new birth.<ref>{{cite book|author=[[Sivananda Saraswati]]|title=May I Answer That?|url=|date=2008|publisher=Divine Life Society|isbn=978-8170521044|quote=The Pitris remain in heaven, Pitri Loka or Chandra Loka, for a very long period. The enjoyments in heaven and the peace of the departed soul are enhanced by the performance of the Shraddha ceremony. Likewise the sufferings of the departed soul in worlds other than heaven are mitigated by the performance of the Shraddha ceremony by his sons. Thus, in both cases, the performance of Shraddha is a great help. And even if the individual takes another birth immediately after his death, as happens in rare cases, the performance of Shraddha adds to his happiness in his new birth.}}</ref>

According to the sacred [[Hindu epic]]s, at the beginning of Pitru Paksha, the sun enters the zodiac sign of Toggle the table of contents [[Virgo (astrology)|Virgo]] (Kanya). Coinciding with this moment, it is believed that the spirits leave ''Pitriloka'' and reside in their descendants' homes for a month until the sun enters the next zodiac—Scorpio (''Vrischika'')—and there is a full moon. Hindus are expected to propitiate the ancestors in the first half, during the dark fortnight.<ref name=underhill/><ref name=sastri>{{cite book |last=Sastri |first=S. M. Natesa |year=1988 |title=Hindu feasts, fasts and ceremonies |publisher=Asian Educational Services |isbn=978-81-206-0402-5 |pages=15–17 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_ibsEj8ihuoC&q=mahalaya&pg=PA15}}</ref>

When the legendary donor [[Karna]] died in the epic [[Mahabharata]] war, his soul transcended to heaven, he became plagued with extreme hunger, but any food he touched became gold instantly. Karna and Surya went to [[Indra]] and asked him about the cause of this incident. Indra told Karna that he had donated gold his entire life, but had never donated food to his ancestors in shraddha. Hence, the ancestors of kuru who were stuck in limbo cursed him, Karna said that since he was unaware of his ancestry, he never donated anything in their memory. To make amends, Karna was permitted to return to the earth for 15–day period, so that he could perform shraddha to them and donate food and water in their memory. This period is now known as Pitru Paksha.<ref>{{cite book |last=Chauturvedi |first=B K |year=2006 |title=Tales from the Vedas and other Scriptures |chapter=The Best Charity: Food and water |publisher=Diamond Pocket Books (P) Ltd. |isbn=978-81-288-1199-9 |pages=192–193 |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Z8zjLliIBGQC&q=pitru+paksha&pg=PA193}}</ref> In some legends, Yama replaces Indra.<ref>{{cite news |last=Chatterjee |first=Deepam |date=18 September 2009 |title=Speaking Tree: Mahalaya Amavasya & Navaratri: Legend of Karna |work=[[The Times of India]] |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/5023170.cms |access-date=2009-09-27}}</ref>

==Significance==
[[File:Tarpan - Jagannath Ghat - Kolkata 2012-10-15 0622.JPG|thumb|left|The Tarpana (Offering holy water to the manes) is being done at the Jagannath Ghat, [[Kolkata]], at end of the Pitru Paksha.|alt= Tarpana is being done at the Jagannath Ghat, Kolkata.|191x191px]]

The performance of ''Shraddha'' by a son during Pitru Paksha is considered compulsory by Hindus, to ensure that the soul of the ancestor goes to heaven. In this context, the scripture [[Garuda Purana]] says, "there is no salvation for a man without a son".<ref name=Kutch/> The scriptures preach that a [[Grihastha|householder]] should propitiate ancestors (''[[Pitrs|Pitris]]''), along with the gods ([[Deva (Hinduism)|devas]]), elements ([[bhoot (ghost)|bhutas]]) and guests.<ref name=sharma/> The scripture [[Markandeya Purana]] says that if the ancestors are content with the shraddhas, they will bestow health, wealth, knowledge and longevity, and ultimately heaven and salvation ([[moksha]]) upon the performer.<ref name=underhill/>
[[File:Durga idol 2011 Burdwan.jpg|right|thumb|Mahalaya marks the formal beginning of the [[Durga Puja]] festival|190x190px]]
The performance of ''Sarvapitri amavasya'' rites can also compensate a forgotten or neglected annual Shraddha ceremony, which should ideally coincide with the death anniversary of the deceased. According to Sharma, the ceremony is central to the concept of lineages. Shraddha involves oblations to three preceding generations—by reciting their names—as well as to the lineage ancestor ([[gotra]]). A person thus gets to know the names of six generations (three preceding generation, his own and two succeeding generations—his sons and grandsons) in his life, reaffirming lineage ties.<ref name=sharma/> Anthropologist Usha Menon of [[Drexel University]] presents a similar idea—that Pitru Paksha emphasises the fact that the ancestors and the current generation and their next unborn generation are connected by blood ties. The current generation repays their debt to the ancestors in the Pitru Paksha. This debt is considered of utmost importance along with a person's debt to his [[guru]]s and his parents.<ref>{{cite book |last=Menon |first=Usha |editor1-last=Valsiner |editor1-first=Jaan |editor2-last=Connolly |editor2-first=Kevin J. |year=2003 |title=Handbook of developmental psychology |chapter=Morality and Context: A Study of Hindu Understandings |publisher=SAGE |isbn=978-0-7619-6231-1 |page=446 |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4d7FOANFv00C&q=pitru+paksha&pg=PA446}}</ref>

===Bengali singnificance===
{{see also | Mahalaya (Matripaksha) }}
In [[Bengal]], ''Mahalaya'' (Bengali: মহালয়া) usually marks the beginning of [[Durga Puja]] festivities. Durga Puja, the biggest festival of the Bengalis, is celebrated annually during the [[Hindu calendar]] month [[Ashvin (month)|Ashvin]] (September and October). The celebration begins with Mahalaya.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/photos/lifestyle/mahalaya-2022-here-s-all-you-need-to-know-about-the-auspicious-day-101664018653546-1.html|title=Mahalaya 2022: Here's all you need to know about the auspicious day}}</ref> Mahalaya is the day when the goddess [[Durga]] is believed to have descended to Earth. Bengali people traditionally wake up early in the morning on Mahalaya to recite hymns from the [[Devi Mahatmya]] (Chandi) scripture.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/birendra-krishna-bhadra-divine-voice-heralding-mahalaya-chant-for-generations-of-bengalis-for-more-than-90-years/articleshow/94420610.cms|title=Birendra Krishna Bhadra: Divine voice heralding Mahalaya chant for generations of Bengalis for more than 90 years}}</ref> Every Bengali household wakes up at dawn to listen to a collection of songs and mantras known as [[Mahisasuramardini (radio programme)|Mahisasuramardini]] that recounts goddess [[Durga]]’s birth and eventual triumph over the demon king [[Mahishasura]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/for-bengalis-mahalaya-is-not-just-the-prelude-to-10-day-long-festival-but-a-day-of-maa-durgas-homecoming/articleshow/94370698.cms?from=mdr|title=For Bengalis, Mahalaya is not just the prelude to 10-day-long festival but a day of Maa Durga's homecoming}}</ref> Offerings to the ancestors are made in homes and at puja [[Pandal|''mandap''s]] (temporary shrines).<ref>{{cite book |last1=Sharma |first1=S P |last2=Gupta |first2=Seema |year=2006 |title=Fairs and Festivals of India |chapter=Durga Puja: Mahalaya |publisher=Pustak Mahal |isbn=978-81-223-0951-5 |page=38 |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wPPr9HdmnHcC&q=mahalaya%20Durga%20Puja&pg=PA38}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=TNN |date=19 September 2009 |title=Mahalaya ushers in the Puja spirit |work=[[The Times of India]] |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Mahalaya-ushers-in-the-Puja-spirit/articleshow/5028658.cms |access-date=2020-09-22}}</ref>

==Rules of Shraddha==

===When and where===
{{anchor | When and where | When | Where}}
{{see also | Hindu pilgrimage sites in India }}

The shraddha is performed on the specific [[tithi|lunar day]] during the Pitru Paksha, when the ancestor—usually a parent or paternal grandparent—died. There are exceptions to the lunar day rule; special days are allotted for people who died in a particular manner or had a certain status in life. ''Chautha Bharani'' and ''Bharani Panchami'', the fourth and fifth lunar day respectively, are allocated for people deceased in the past year. ''Avidhava navami'' ("Unwidowed ninth"), the ninth lunar day, is for married women who died before their husband.

Widowers invite [[Brahmin]] women as guests for their wife's shraddha. The twelfth lunar day is for children and ascetics who had renounced the worldly pleasures. The fourteenth day is known as ''Ghata chaturdashi'' or ''Ghayala chaturdashi'', and is reserved for those people killed by arms, in war or suffered a violent death.<ref name="underhill" /><ref name="Kutch" />

''Sarvapitri amavasya'' (all ancestors' new moon day) is intended for all ancestors, irrespective of the lunar day they died. It is the most important day of the Pitru Paksha.<ref name=underhill/><ref name=Kutch/> Those who have forgotten to perform shraddha can do so on this day. A shraddha ritual performed on this day is considered as fruitful as one conducted in the holy city of [[Gaya, India|Gaya]], which is seen as a special place to perform the rite, and hosts a fair during the Pitru Paksha period.<ref name=vidya/>

''Matamaha'' ("Mother's father") or ''Dauhitra'' ("Daughter's son") also marks the first day of the month of [[Ashvin]] and beginning of the bright fortnight. It is assigned for the grandson of the deceased maternal grandfather.<ref name=underhill/><ref name=Kutch/>

The ritual is also held on the death anniversary of the ancestor. The shraddha is performed only at noon, usually on the bank of a river or lake or at one's own house.<ref name=Kutch/> Families may also make a pilgrimage to places like [[Varanasi]] and [[Gaya, India|Gaya]] to perform Shraddha.<ref name=underhill/><ref name=vidya/><ref>{{cite book |last=Justice |first=Christopher |year=1997 |title=Dying the good death: the pilgrimage to die in India's Holy City |publisher=SUNY Press |isbn=978-0-7914-3261-7 |page=43 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TW4jG0hxHcUC&q=pitri%20paksh&pg=PA244}}</ref> An annual Pitru Paksha Mela at Gaya on the banks of River [[Falgu]]. Pilgrims from all corners of the country visit Gaya for offering Pinda to their Ancestors. According to Bihar Tourism Department estimates, some 5,00,000 to 75,00,000 pilgrims arrive in the Gaya city during the Pitru Paksha Mela every year.<ref>{{cite web |title=Gaya to host 2013 Pitri Paksha Mela from September 18 |url=http://news.biharprabha.com/2013/09/gaya-to-host-2013-pitri-paksha-mela-from-september-18/ |access-date=25 September 2013}}</ref>

===Who and for whom===
It is essential that Shraddha be performed by the son—usually the eldest—or male relative of the paternal branch of the family, limited to the preceding three generations. However, on ''Sarvapitri amavasya'' or ''matamaha'', the daughter's son can offer Shraddha for the maternal side of his family if a male heir is absent in his mother's family.<ref name=underhill/><ref name=Kutch/> Some [[caste]]s only perform the shraddha for one generation.<ref name=underhill/> Prior to performing the rite, the male should have experienced a [[Yagnopavita|sacred thread ceremony]]. Since the ceremony is considered inauspicious due to its association with death, the royal family of [[Cutch State|Kutch]], the king or heirs of the throne are prohibited from conducting Shraddha.<ref name=Kutch/>

===Food===
The food offerings made to the ancestors are usually cooked in silver or copper vessels and typically placed on a banana leaf or cups made of dried leaves. The food must include [[Kheer]] (a type of sweet rice and milk), [[Laapsi|lapsi]] (a sweet porridge made of wheat grains), rice, [[dal]] (lentils), the vegetable of spring bean (''[[guar]]'') and a yellow gourd (pumpkin).<ref name=Kutch/>

===Rites of Shraddha===
[[File:Shora Shraddha at Pashupatinath Temple.jpg|alt=People performing shraddha on the banks of Bagmati river near Pashupatinath temple, Nepal|thumb|195x195px|People performing shraddha on the banks of [[Bagmati River|Bagmati river]] near [[Pashupatinath Temple|Pashupatinath temple]], [[Nepal]]]]
The male who performs the shraddha should take a purifying bath beforehand and is expected to wear a [[dhoti]]. He wears a ring of ''[[Desmostachya bipinnata|darbha grass]]''. Then the ancestors are invoked to reside in the ring. The shraddha is usually performed bare-chested, as the position of the sacred thread worn by him needs to be changed multiple times during the ceremony. The shraddha involves ''pinda dana'', which is an offering to the ancestors of ''pindas'' (cooked rice and barley flour balls mixed with [[ghee]] and black sesame seeds), accompanying the release of water from the hand. It is followed by the worship of [[Vishnu]] (in form of the ''darbha grass'', a gold image, or [[Shaligram]] stone) and Yama. The food offering is then made, cooked especially for the ceremony on the roof. The offering is considered to be accepted if a crow arrives and devours the food; the bird is believed to be a messenger from Yama or the spirit of the ancestors.<ref name=underhill/> A cow and a dog are also fed, and [[Brahmin]] priests are also offered food. Once the ancestors (crow) and Brahmins have eaten, the family members can begin lunch.<ref name=Kutch/>

==Other practices==
Some families also conduct ritual recitals of scriptures such the [[Bhagavata Purana]] and the [[Bhagavad Gita]].<ref name=Kutch/><ref name=Bryant>{{cite book |last=Bryant |first=Clifton D. |author-link=Clifton D. Bryant |year=2003 |title=Handbook of Death and Dying |publisher=SAGE |isbn=978-0-7619-2514-9 |page=647 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3z9EpgisKOgC&q=paksha&pg=RA1-PA647}}</ref> Others may be charitable and present gifts to the priests or pay them to recite prayers for the ancestor's well-being.<ref name=Bryant/>

==See also==
{{Commons category}}
*[[Hindu genealogy registers at Haridwar]]
*[[Naraka Chaturdashi|Bhoot Chaturdashi]]

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

{{Death in Hinduism}}
{{Hindu festivals}}
{{Good article}}

[[Category:Hindu rituals related to death]]
[[Category:Hindu festivals]]
[[Category:Religious festivals in India]]
[[Category:Observances honoring the dead]]
[[Category:September observances]]
[[Category:October observances]]
[[Category:Hindu festivals in Nepal]]

Pitru Paksha - Revision history

Ajay Kumar: Created a new article