Pitri Paksha, also spelt as Pitru paksha or Pitri paksha is a 16–lunar day period in Hindu calendar when Hindus pay homage to their ancestor (Pitrs), especially through food offerings. The period is also known as Pitru Pakshya, Pitri Pokkho, Sola Shraddha (“sixteen shraddhas”), Kanagat, Jitiya, Mahalaya Paksha and Apara paksha.

Pitru Paksha is considered by Hindus to be inauspicious, given the death rite performed during the ceremony, known as Shraddha or tarpan. As a mandatory rite that is believed to bring salvation to departed souls, Pind-daan is a must to do obligation of all Hindus or followers of Hindu religion. Further, it is also believed that no work can be successfully performed without blessings of ancestors and the doing of Pind Daan invokes blessings of the dead ancestors.

With the ritual performed to pay homage to the deceased ancestors also called ‘Pitar’ as per our ancient texts, the religious and correct completion of this ritual helps the soul of the dead to attain Moksha (salvation).