In many communities the belief is that the soul takes birth as a crow for a brief period before moving on. Family members offer the favourite dishes of the deceased, to crows as a way to please their ancestors

Mahalaya Paksha or Pitru Paksha, is a 16-day period as per the Hindu Almanac (Panchang), dedicated to our ancestors (Pitrus), in the month of Bhadrapada (Aug - Sep) / Ashwin (September-October). Astrologically, the Sun transits Kanya Rashi Virgo. It is believed that the souls of our ancestors descend on earth to bless their families. 

As per our ancient texts, it is an opportunity for us to perform "Shraaddha" rituals - paying obeisance to our ancestors - for the peace and wellbeing of their souls. A remarkable reflection of maintaining the unfathomable continuity of the Cosmic order.

This involves chanting of mantras and invoking energies to offer food & water to our ancestors, to nourish their souls, in return, for their blessings. Daan or donations are given to priests. Tarpan and Pind Daan, integral to this custom - are ideally performed on river banks or at home.

Kusha grass, sesame seeds and Pind daan hold particular significance. Kusha represents the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh. The tip is associated with deities, the middle with humans, and the base with ancestors. Sesame seeds have the ability to absorb spiritual power and remove impurities, represents immortality. The black covering around the seed symbolizes the subtle body of the ancestors. In the Pind daan, the Pind is prepared by mixing milk, sesame seeds, and cooked rice, signifying the ancestors' bodies for their nourishment.

In many communities the belief is that the soul takes birth as a crow for a brief period before moving on. Family members offer the favourite dishes of the deceased, to crows as a way to please their ancestors.

Our scriptures say that 3 generations of souls of our ancestors reside in the Pitrulok (the realm between heaven and earth) - Lord Yama's territory. When someone in the subsequent generation passes on, the earliest of the  generations of ancestors enters Moksha.  onsequently, Shraadh rites are done only for 3 earlier generations. Vasu, Rudra, and Aditya are identified as the deities presiding over Shraadh rituals. Each individual in the lineage of 3 generations, namely the father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, is considered the 3 deities respectively.

After death, the 'Garuda Purana,' says the offerings made to the departed soul, from the day 1 - day 10 from death, contribute to the formation of a body called 'Pinda deha', Sukshma Sharira (subtle or astral body). By the 12th day, the 'Pinda deha' is equipped to travel as 'Yaathana sharira', where it reaps the fruits of good and bad karma. After one year's travel, Lord Yama decides a deserving loka. On the 13th day, Path¼ya shrÀddha and Nidhanshanti is performed. The linga-d¼ha (subtle body) leaves the earth-range getting closer to God. As a celebration of liberation of the soul from the sufferings of attachment, everyone is invited for a meal comprising sweets as a symbolic gesture. The monthly rituals Maasikas ensures it has its food and water while travelling.

The Garuda Purana states …

Þu rq fi=;a ;tfUr ;Lrq fprk ;Fkkxzr%A

'kkUR;S çx`á ro fir`ikne vfi Hkosr~ AAß

One who offers rites to the ancestors with sincerity and devotion, even if done with limited means, will attain peace and the blessings of their forefathers.

Sincere devotion and the intention behind the offerings are more significant than the material aspect.

The spirit of Pitru Paksha remains a meaningful bridge to traditions - a benign reminder of the value of family bonds, reverence for lineage, unbroken connect to family roots, with humility and gratitude. It encapsulates the profound respect for ancestors and the belief in their continued influence on our lives and is a testament to the rich spiritual foundations of India.

— The writer is a versatile professional with 3 decades in corporate experience & leadership roles, exceling in several areas as a ICF Certified Mentor Life Coach, Corporate Coach, Spiritual Intelligence Coach & CXO Coach. Spiritual counselor, Astro & Vastu consultant (25+ years of grounding in Vedanta philosophy) and a Motivational speaker. He is a Dale Carnegie’s T3 graduate