Pitru Paksha, also known as Shraadh Paksha, is a 16-day period of Shraadh, from Bhadrapada Purnima (full moon) to Sarva Pitru Amavasya (new moon).

During this period, the performance of Shraadh by a son is considered essential by Hindus, to ensure that the ancestors’ souls get into heaven.

To ensure the salvation of ancestral souls, the scripture Garuda Purana preaches that a householder should appease the ancestors, along with the gods, ghosts, and guests. The scripture Markandeya Purana says that if the ancestors are content with the Shraadh, they will bestow health, wealth, knowledge, and longevity, and, ultimately, heaven and salvation (moksha) upon the performer.

Pitru Paksha Shanti or Shraadh pooja is important as it is believed that if the manes (the souls of dead ancestors, worshipped as benevolent spirits) become angry, then a person will face many problems in life. Due to the unrest of ancestral souls, problems related to money and children could arise.

Shraadh or Pitru Paksha pooja should be performed with utmost dedication and faith, and should include the following steps:

• Vishwadeva Sthapana: Correct preparation for the pooja
• Pinda Pradan: Offering of pindas (rice balls) to ancestors, along with ghee, honey, sugar, milk, and curd
• Tarpan: Offering of kala til (black sesame seeds) with water
• Brahmin Bhojan: Offering of bhojan (food) to Brahmins

Conducting Shraadh pooja or Pitru Paksha pooja can help you:

• Appease your ancestors and forefathers, invoking their blessings for a happy life
• Remove obstacles in the way of your financial well being
• Resolve childbearing issues
• End miseries due to Pitra dosha