Pitri-Paksha: Annual

Ancestor-Worship
Hindu Ritual to Remember Our Ancestors
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A period of 15 days is set aside by the Hindus for the remembrance of their ancestors. (c) Getty Images

The annual ancestor-worship or 'Pitri-Paksha' is a period that is observed during the dark
half of the Hindu month of 'Ashwin.' This period of 15 days is set aside by the Hindus for the
remembrance of their ancestors. During this fortnight, Hindus donate food to the hungry in
the hope that their ancestors will also be thus fed.
It is this time that Hindus throughout the world reflect on the contributions their forefathers
made to their present life, and the cultural norms, traditions and values they set for us in
order to make our lives better.
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Gaya Shradh

Joint Debt

Worship

Hindu

Hinduism

Three Debts an Individual is Born with

According to the Vedic scriptures an individual is born with three debts. The debt to God is
called Dev-rin. The debt to the sages and saints is called Rishi-rin. The third debt to one's
parents and ancestors is called Pitri-rin. These three debts are like three mortgages on
one's life, but not liabilities. It is an attempt by Hindu scriptures to create an awareness of
one's duties and responsibilities.

"Pitri-rin" - Debt to One's Parents & Ancestors

The third debt an individual is expected to pay during one's life is to one's parents and
ancestors. One's entire existence, including the family name and the great dharma one
belongs to, are the gifts of one's parents and the forefathers. Just as your parents, who
brought you into this world, protected you when you were weak and frail, fed you, clothed
you, taught you, and brought to you up, your grandparents performed similar duties for your
parents.

How to Repay the Debt to Ancentors

So how is this debt repaid?
Everything that one does in this world should enhance the fame and glory of one's family,
and of one's forefathers. Your ancestors are anxious to help you in all your endeavors and
the departed souls are capable of doing so. However, they have one expectation from all of

us and that is to perform acts of charity in their names during their annual visits to your
homes in their subtle, invisible bodies.

A Pure Act of Faith

You do not have to believe in this unique Hindu ritual because it is purely based on faith
called 'shraddha' in Hindi. Hence, another name for annual ancestor worship is 'Shraadh,'
derived from the word 'shraddha' or faith. However, you will agree that it is the responsibility
of everyone to keep up the pride of the family lineage by performing actions that promote
the good of all. The fortnight of ancestor worship is nothing but a reminder of your lineage
and duties towards it.

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