What is Pitru Paksha?
Pitru Paksha is the period of Krishna Paksha (the waning phase of the Moon) in the Hindu month of Ashwin. In Hindu tradition, it is considered a sacred period dedicated to remembering and paying respect to one’s ancestors.
During Pitru Paksha, people remember their departed ancestors, express their gratitude and respect towards them, and perform traditional rituals such as Shraddha, Tarpan, and offering food in their memory.
According to the Hindu lunar calendar, Pitru Paksha begins after Bhadrapada Purnima and continues through the Krishna Paksha of Ashwin, generally covering a period of approximately 15 days—from Pratipada (the first lunar day) to Amavasya (the New Moon).
The final day, Sarva Pitru Amavasya, is considered especially significant for offering Shraddha to ancestors, particularly when their exact death anniversary (Tithi) is not known.