Significance
Pitru Paksha is a sixteen-day period dedicated to honouring one's ancestors (pitrs) through shradh and tarpan. Hindus believe the departed visit their descendants during this fortnight, and rites performed now bring them peace and secure their blessings.
It ends with Mahalaya (Sarva Pitru) Amavasya, the most important shradh day.
Rituals
Families offer pind daan, tarpan and food to crows and Brahmins in the name of their ancestors, typically on the tithi corresponding to the ancestor's day of passing. Auspicious new ventures and celebrations are avoided during this solemn period.
Pitru Paksha through the year
The list above shows the shradh tithis for the selected year, from the start of Pitru Paksha to Mahalaya Amavasya. Choose a year to see the dates for your location.