Pitri Paksha: Visiting an Honoured Tradition, Part II

The Significance of Daan
In addition to tarpan, the ritual of daan (charitable giving) holds great importance during Pitri Paksha. The Garuda Purana emphasizes the act of offering food and goods not only to Brahmins and the poor but also to animals like crows, dogs, and cows, as well as birds and insects. These acts are believed to nourish both the living and the departed, transferring merit to one’s ancestors and helping to ease their journey in the afterlife.
The notion of daan in Hinduism is intrinsically tied to the concepts of karma and dharma. By giving selflessly, without expectation of return, one not only fulfills their duty but also reinforces the cosmic order (rta), which binds all beings in a web of mutual responsibility. Feeding creatures like crows—considered messengers of the dead—symbolizes this connection, allowing the living to send blessings and sustenance to their forebears in the realm of ancestors.
This belief in the interconnectedness of all life, from humans to animals and insects, underscores the Sanatan Dharma worldview. It reflects a deep respect for the cyclical nature of existence and the shared journey of all beings through the cycle of life, death, and rebirth (samsara).
Origins and Scriptural Foundations
The practice of Pitri Paksha has its roots in the earliest Vedic traditions. The Rig Veda, one of the most ancient Hindu texts, contains hymns that invoke the ancestors, recognizing their place in the cosmic order. While there is no explicit mention of the 15-day observance of Pitri Paksha in the Vedas, the idea of honouring ancestors is embedded in the broader ritual culture of the time. The Yajurveda and Atharvaveda offer more specific guidance on ancestor offerings, laying the groundwork for later practices.
In post-Vedic texts, particularly the Grihya Sutras (3rd–4th century BCE), we find more detailed prescriptions for performing shraddha, the ritual observance of Pitri Paksha. The Mahabharata and Ramayana emphasize the importance of performing these rites, often illustrating the dire consequences of neglecting one's ancestors. The Garuda Purana provides one of the most comprehensive accounts of posthumous rites, describing in detail the offerings of pinda (rice balls) and the use of water to aid the souls of the deceased.
Interestingly, while the Bhagavad Gita acknowledges the significance of rituals for the ancestors, it also presents a more detached view of life and death. Lord Krishna, in his discourse to Arjuna, reminds him that the wise do not grieve for the living or the dead, as life is a transient phase of the soul’s eternal journey. In Chapter 9, Lord Krishna cautions that those who worship ancestors may only attain the realms of the ancestors, while those who seek the divine reach his eternal abode. This philosophical detachment contrasts with the fervent observance of Pitri Paksha in contemporary Hindu life.
Evolution of the Practice
The practice of Pitri Paksha has evolved significantly over time. In the Vedic era, rituals cantered around fire offerings (yajna) were paramount. However, over centuries, the offering of food and water, as seen in shraddha, became central to the observance of Pitri Paksha. This shift from communal fire sacrifices to more intimate family rituals reflects a growing emphasis on personal and familial obligations.
Today, Pitri Paksha holds varied significance across regions and communities. For some, it is a solemn time of deep spiritual reflection, where they reaffirm their connection to their ancestors and honour the legacy of their forebears. For others, the tradition has become more of a social obligation, where elaborate and costly rituals stretch family resources, sometimes overshadowing the original spiritual intention.
There is also a growing recognition that certain aspects of Pitri Paksha, such as extravagant feasts and forced observance, may contradict the spirit of the tradition. In impoverished families, these practices can become burdensome, creating financial strain and diverting attention from the true purpose of honouring the departed.
In its essence, Pitri Paksha serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between duty, spirituality, and the need for reflection on the evolving nature of ritual in modern life. The tradition offers a way to honour the past while navigating the complexities of the present.

(Concluded)

(Uday Kumar Varma is an IAS officer. Retired as Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting)