‘Pitra’ or ‘Pitru’ means ancestors or forefathers. In Sanatan Dharma, Pitru Paksha Puja is a ritual performed to please as well as impart peace to one’s ancestors. The time span of  Pitru Paksha is 16 days that involves several rituals, such as Pind Daan, Shradh and Tarpan.  

In Hinduism, the family members follow the rituals during Pitra Paksha and pay homage to the departed souls. They pray for their well - being and happiness. Our Shastras mention that Pitru Paksha puja is performed by offering food and water to one’s departed ancestors. 

Traditionally, Pitru Paksha puja is performed by a pandit in a temple. However, if you are unable to conduct the puja outdoors, you can book a pandit for Pitru Paksha puja as well. The knowledgeable and experienced pandits will perform this significant ceremony authentically, ensuring a meaningful and sacred experience.  

When is Pitru Paksha 2024? 

This year, Pitru Paksha will start during Bhadrapad Purnima Tithi from September 17th,  2024 and will end on October 2nd 2024.   

Where can Pitru Paksha Puja be performed? 

The Pitru Paksha Puja can be performed either at home by booking pandit online or at either of the following places below: 

• Trimbakeshwar Temple, Nashik 

• Mahamaya Mandir at Ratanpur (Chhattisgarh), Kaithal (Haryana), Bhimashankar temple (Maharashtra) and Kasganj (U.P.)  

• Prayag - Triveni, Kashi Vishwanath, Rishikesh, Chitrakoot, Pushkar, Jagannathpuri, Ujjain, Gangasagar and Jabalpur.  

• Gaya, Haridwar, Rameshwaram or Badrinath  

How to do Pitru Paksha Puja at home? 

The Pitra Paksha Puja is performed by an experienced pandit and male family member. Being a critical puja, it is very essential for family members to adhere to the pandit’s guidelines throughout the process. It is also important that during the Shradh ritual, the elder male descendant (son) of the departed soul should give water to the Pitras. 

The Pitra Paksha Puja is done in following manner: 

1. Firstly, keep a wooden stool covered with white cloth in the southern direction of the house. 
2. Place a photo of the departed ancestor on the stool and spread black sesame seeds and rice on the cloth. 
3. Chant the name and surname of the departed ancestor to invite them as guided by the pandits.  
4. Thereafter, the ‘pind daan’ ritual is performed. ‘Pind’ means a round heap of cooked rice and other holy materials and ‘Daan’ means to donate. In Pind Daan, the family members pay respect to the departed soul by offering pind during the ceremony.  
5. After this ritual, these rice balls are either fed to the cows cows or crows??  or immersed in river water. 
6. If the family is unable to perform a pind ritual, they can offer jaggery and ghee to the ancestors.  
7. Usually, Kheer, rice, daal, and vegetables are prepared in a meal.  The food is cooked in copper vessels and served on Banyan leaves. 
8. Traditionally, the Pitru Gayatri mantra is chanted eleven times. While chanting Pitru mantra, pandit guides the yajman into pouring water to pour water over the sesame seeds in such a way that the water must flow in between your thumb and index finger.  
9. Thereafter, we pray to God to help the soul proceed towards Vaikunth Lok to attain liberation from the mortal world. 
10. The Puja ends with the ritual of donating food, clothes, stationary items, etc to needy ones.   

Conclusion 

Performing Pitra Paksha Puja pleases the ancestors, gives them peace and brings their blessings in our life. Moreover, this puja helps in bringing harmony in our life and keeps every aspect of our life healthy and prosperous. Always remember to honour the souls of the departed by conducting the rituals respectfully.