On the last day of Shraadh, a large number of people gathered at different ghats, particularly, Har ki Pauri, to perform yajna and pind daan meant to pray for peace of the departed souls of the ancestors in tune with the Vedic rituals. With this, the fortnight-long special rituals dedicated to the ancestors came to an end on Friday that is Sarvpitri Amavasya. There was a large gathering too at Narayani Shila for the Shradh rituals since early morning.
Pitri Paksha is observed from the first day or Tithi of the Ashwin month and continues till the following new moon day (Amavasya) which is known as Sarvapitri Amavysya. During 15-day period, Shraddh or tarpan of the ancestors is performed each day. This period started from 15 September and ended on 30 September.
It is said that if ancestors (Pitras), gods(Devas) and ghosts(Pretas) are propitiated, they bestow health, wealth, wisdom, longevity and eventually, salvation.
As per the Hindu scriptures, Shraddh period is the ideal time to perform Pind Daan (last rites, including offerings in memory of the deceased. Kaushal Sikhola, a Brahmin priest, told The Pioneer, “With the performance of such rituals, the departed souls not just feel appeased but the state is saved from natural disasters by way of special prayers offered to the gods.”