Pitripaksha begins: A 15-day ritual to honor & bless ancestors
During this period, Hindus perform various rituals such as Pinda Daan and Tarpan to offer respect and blessings to the souls of the deceased.
KATHMANDU: The sacred period of Pitripaksha, also known as Shoraha Shraddha, has begun today, marking the start of 15 days dedicated to honoring our departed ancestors.
During this period, Hindus perform various rituals such as Pinda Daan and Tarpan to offer respect and blessings to the souls of the deceased.
The name Pitripaksha or Shoraha Shraddha refers to this time when offerings are made with reverence and devotion to the ancestors.
It is believed that these rituals help to ensure peace and spiritual well-being for the souls of the departed, and also to seek their forgiveness for any inadvertent wrongdoings.
According to Vedic and Sanatan Hindu traditions, it is considered auspicious to perform Shraddha rituals before undertaking significant activities or events such as yajnas, rituals, or important decisions.
The period from Ashwin Krishna Pratipada to Amavasya is considered the most sacred for performing the Shraddha rites, and thus this 15-day window is referred to as Shoraha Shraddha.
During Pitripaksha, worshipers offer Kusha grass, sesame seeds (til), barley (jau), and flowers in sacred water bodies like ponds, as part of the Shraddha rituals.
It is believed that performing these rites brings peace to the departed souls, especially for those who are no longer with us in physical form.
This tradition offers a way for descendants to express gratitude, seek forgiveness for any ancestral dishonor, and bring tranquility to the souls of their ancestors.
It is an important time for reflection, respect, and spiritual connection with the family lineage.
