The last day of the Pitri Paksh saw Yajna, Tarpan and Pind Daan rituals being performed in memory of the ancestors amid Vedic mantras at Har Ki Paidi on Tuesday. With this, the fortnight-long special period came to an end. Sarvapitri Amavasya which lasted till 11 am on Tuesday is special for the Shradh rituals according to the Hindu traditions.
Pitri Paksha is observed from the first day or Tithi of the month of Ashwin and it continues till the following new moon day (Amavasya) which is known as Sarvapitri Amavasya. During the fortnight, Shradh or Tarpan dedicated to the ancestors is performed each day. It is said that when ancestors (Pitras), gods (Devas) and ghosts (Pretas) are rightly propitiated they bestow health, wealth, wisdom and eventually salvation to the faithful.
As per the Hindu scriptures, Shraddh period is ideal for performance of what is known as Pind Daan (the offerings to the deceased near ones). Saurabh Sikhola, a priest, said while talking to The Pioneer, “With the performance of such rituals, not just the departed are appeased but special prayers addressed to gods to save the state from natural disasters are also fulfilled. Herein lies the special significance of the period for the Hindus. Like every year, the people thronged the Ganga ghats this year too to perform the rituals in accordance with the traditions.”
Meanwhile, phase-wise ‘Tarpan’ rituals were performed at Shantikunj Sanskar Shala and 300 people performed the rituals at one time. One round lasted for two and half hours. The offerings are made not just for the deceased near ones but also for the greats like Swami Vivekananda and Mahatma Gandhi.
The persons having died in accidents or natural calamities are also remembered and prayed for.
Shivprasad Mishra from Shantikunj said, “A mix of milk and water is offered symbolically to the ancestors.”