Pitru Paksha

It is believed that during Pitru Paksha, the souls of one's ancestors return to earth, seeking water and food offerings from their descendants. This is why performing Tarpan and Shraddha during these sixteen days to satisfy them and receive their blessings is considered especially important. Conversely, it is also believed that neglecting one's ancestors gives rise to 'Pitru Dosha'.

According to a well-known legend from the Mahabharata, despite being an extraordinarily generous donor in life, Karna was offered only gold and jewels as food in heaven, because he had never donated food or water to his ancestors, not knowing his true lineage. On Lord Indra's counsel, Karna was sent back to earth for sixteen days to perform Shraddha and charity for his ancestors. It is believed that this event is the origin of Pitru Paksha's sixteen-day duration.

Each ancestor's Shraddha is usually performed on the same tithi on which they passed away. For those who don't know the exact death tithi, or for ancestors with no surviving descendants, Shraddha can be performed collectively for all of them on the fortnight's final day, Sarva Pitru Amavasya, which is why it is regarded as the most significant day.

Every morning, after bathing and facing south, water mixed with black sesame and barley is offered as Tarpan for one's ancestors. This is usually performed by the family's eldest son, and doing so on the banks of a sacred river, if possible, is considered especially meritorious.

In Pind Daan, offerings of rice and barley flour balls (pindas) are made, and Brahmins are served a meal. There is also a tradition of feeding crows, cows, and dogs, in the belief that crows serve as messengers who carry the offering to one's ancestors.

On the final day of Pitru Paksha, Sarva Pitru Amavasya, a collective Shraddha is performed for all ancestors, known and unknown. The Vishnupad Temple in Gaya, Bihar, is regarded as the most sacred site for Pind Daan, drawing devotees from across the country during this period.