Pitri Paksha: Visiting an Honoured Tradition,Part I

Pitri Paksha (पितृ पक्ष), also known as the fortnight of Shraddha, is a sacred period in the Hindu calendar dedicated to honouring and propitiating deceased ancestors. During this time, it is believed that the souls of departed relatives descend to the earthly realm, awaiting the offerings and rituals that their living descendants perform to aid them on their spiritual journey. The observance of these rituals, often referred to as ‘tarpan,’ is said to provide nourishment and peace to the departed souls who have not yet attained rebirth. The tradition, though deeply spiritual, also reflects a broader philosophy about the cycle of life, death, and rebirth.
While deeply rooted in Hinduism, ancestor worship is not exclusive to the faith. Cultures across the globe, from Mexico’s Día de los Muertos to China's Qingming festival, maintain their own variations of this tradition. For many, these practices may seem pagan, but their shared belief in the enduring connection between the living and the dead, and the influence of karma and rebirth, transcends religious boundaries.
Despite its deep entrenchment in Hindu tradition, the origins, scriptural underpinnings, and contemporary relevance of Pitri Paksha remain somewhat obscure to many. It is an ancient tradition, guided by centuries of scriptural references and social evolution, that balances philosophical truths with ritualistic observances.
Rooted in Rebirth and Karma
At the heart of Pitri Paksha lies the doctrine of karma and rebirth, two foundational tenets of Sanatan Dharma (Hinduism). The rituals conducted during this period are thought to assist ancestors who have yet to attain their next birth, ensuring their spiritual progress and peace. This concept aligns with the belief that the journey of the soul continues after death, shaped by the karma accumulated in its previous life.
Sanatan Dharma offers a dual approach—philosophical and ritualistic—toward life and death. While the Vedantic schools of thought, particularly Advaita Vedanta, emphasize inner spiritual realization over external rituals, the Puranic texts place great value on maintaining cosmic and familial harmony through traditional rites. The idea of karma bridges these two perspectives: while Vedanta teaches that liberation (moksha) comes from realizing the self’s unity with the divine, the Puranic tradition emphasizes the fulfilment of one’s duties (dharma) to ensure both individual and familial well-being.
For instance, the Garuda Purana details various rites for the deceased, underscoring the importance of honouring ancestors to maintain spiritual balance and family legacy. In contrast, Vedantic teachings suggest that the soul's ultimate liberation is not contingent upon these rituals but rather on the realization of the higher self. This interplay between philosophical detachment and ritualistic duty offers a holistic view within Hinduism, accommodating both the path of knowledge (jnana) and the path of action (karma).
Similar Practices in Other Cultures
Ancestor veneration is a near-universal practice, extending far beyond Hindu traditions. In China, the Qingming festival—also known as “Tomb-Sweeping Day”—is a time when families honor their ancestors by cleaning their graves and offering symbolic items such as food, tea, and incense. In Mexico, the vibrant Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) brings families together to remember and celebrate the lives of the deceased, with altars adorned with food and offerings to nourish the visiting spirits. In Africa, many indigenous religions also hold that the spirits of the deceased have a powerful influence on the living, requiring regular veneration and propitiation.
Even within India, outside the formal structures of Hinduism, many tribal communities engage in rituals that honour the spirits of their ancestors. These practices reflect the universality of the belief that the living have a duty to care for their forebears, whether through ritual, remembrance, or offerings.
The Ritual of Tarpan
One of the most important aspects of Pitri Paksha is the ritual of tarpan. This involves offering water mixed with black sesame seeds, barley, flowers, and other sacred items to the ancestors. The act is laden with symbolism, connecting the living to their forebears through the medium of water, which in Vedic tradition is both a purifier and a sustainer of life.
Water, representing life’s continuous flow, symbolizes the sustenance provided to the souls of ancestors who dwell in Pitri Loka (the realm of the ancestors). The inclusion of black sesame seeds (til) in the ritual carries a deep significance, as these seeds are associated with the removal of sins and karmic impurities. Their use in the offering is said to protect the souls from negative influences, ensuring their smooth passage through the afterlife.
Flowers, often offered alongside water, represent devotion, respect, and the beauty of life, while barley (yava), an ancient grain, symbolizes material sustenance and longevity. Together, these elements form a powerful tribute to ancestors, nourishing their spirits while reinforcing the bond between generations.
The practice of tarpan is not merely a personal ritual but often a communal act, reflecting the Hindu view of family as an extended network of individuals who share karmic and spiritual bonds. By honouring their ancestors, the living maintain this karmic connection, ensuring the continued prosperity and harmony of their lineage.

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