New Delhi: Pitru Paksha or Shradh, which lasts for about 16 days, has special significance in Hinduism. It is a time to remember and pay respects to our ancestors.
According to the Hindu calendar, Pitru Paksha starts from the full moon day of Shukla Paksha of Bhadrapada month and ends on the new moon day of Krishna Paksha of Ashwin month. This year, Pitru Paksha will start from 10 September and will end on 25 September.
Many rituals of Shradh, Tarpan and Pind Daan are performed for the gratification of the souls of our ancestors.
In Pitru Paksha, there is a tradition of feeding crows on the day of Shradh of ancestors. According to mythology this food reaches the ancestors through crows. It is also believed that the ancestors come to earth in the form of crows in Pitru Paksha.
Worshiping in Pitru Paksha brings blessings of our ancestors. Pitru Paksha is also known as Sohal Shraddha, Mahalaya Paksha and Upper Paksha etc.
