Pitru Paksha: Honouring the Ancestors and the Roots We Come From

Pitru Paksha is a period in the Hindu tradition dedicated to remembering and honouring ancestors. Traditionally, families perform Shraddha and other offerings as an expression of gratitude and remembrance. In 2026, Pitru Paksha begins on September 27 and concludes with Sarva Pitru Amavasya on October 10. What Is Pitru Paksha? The word Pitru refers to ancestors, while Paksha refers to a fortnight. Traditionally, this lunar period is observed by families to remember departed loved ones and express gratitude towards their lineage. Shraddha rituals may include offerings of food and water, prayers, charity, and other practices according to family and regional traditions. It is a time to pause and acknowledge the generations whose lives came before ours. Why Is Pitru Paksha Considered Important? Our lives are connected to generations before us — through family, traditions, stories, values, and the things passed down from one generation to another. Pitru Paksha creates a space to consciously remember that connection. For many families, it is less about elaborate rituals and more about gratitude, remembrance, and fulfilling family traditions with sincerity. What Is Shraddha? Shraddha is traditionally understood as a ritual performed for ancestors with devotion and respect. Practices can vary considerably according to region, family tradition, and the particular tithi associated with an ancestor. Common practices may include: - Offering food and water - Performing prayers or rituals - Giving charity or food to others - Remembering ancestors and their contributions - Following family-specific customs If you observe Pitru Paksha, it is best to follow the practices traditionally followed by your family or seek guidance from a knowledgeable priest. What Is Sarva Pitru Amavasya? The final day of Pitru Paksha is known as Sarva Pitru Amavasya, also called Mahalaya Amavasya. It is traditionally considered an important day for remembering ancestors, particularly when the specific death tithi is not known or when families wish to honour their ancestors collectively. In 2026, it falls on October 10. A Time to Remember Pitru Paksha reminds us that our story did not begin with us. Behind every family is a history of people, choices, struggles, traditions, and love that travelled through generations. Whether through a traditional Shraddha ceremony, a simple prayer, feeding someone in need, or quietly remembering a loved one, the essence remains the same: Gratitude for those who came before us. Respect for the roots that shaped us. And remembrance that keeps their place in our story alive. May this Pitru Paksha be a time of remembrance, gratitude, and peace.