It is observed that Ganeshotsav concludes with the immersion of Lord Ganesha on Anant Chaturdashi, and Pitru Paksha begins the following day. Therefore, many people wonder why Pitru Paksha begins immediately after the immersion of Lord Ganesha. The Hindu calendar's date structure and religious traditions are responsible for this.

Pitru Paksha after Bhadrapada Purnima
Pitru Paksha is also known as Pitru Pandrahwada or Shraddha Paksha. According to the Hindu lunar calendar, the Krishna Paksha begins after the full moon of the Bhadrapada month. The period from Pratipada of this Krishna Paksha to Sarva Pitru Amavasya is considered important for remembering the ancestors. Anant Chaturdashi falls on the Chaturdashi of the Shukla Paksha of Bhadrapada month. The next day is Bhadrapada Purnima and then Krishna Paksha begins. Therefore, the time of Pitru Paksha begins immediately after the end of Ganeshotsav.

Why are ancestors remembered during Pitru Paksha?
According to religious beliefs, Pitru Paksha is considered an important time to remember ancestors, performing Shraddha and Tarpan in their name. People remember the departed in their families and pray for their peace. It is customary to perform Shraddha on the day of the Shraddha date of ancestors whose Shraddha date is known. If the date is not known, many families observe the custom of performing Shraddha on Sarva Pitru Amavasya.

Is there any connection between Ganeshotsav and Pitru Paksha?
Ganeshotsav and Pitru Paksha are separate religious festivals. Pitru Paksha begins after the immersion of Ganpati Bappa on Anant Chaturdashi, primarily due to the order of dates in the calendar. Ganeshotsav is a festival associated with the devotion of Lord Ganesha, while Pitru Paksha is a time associated with remembering the ancestors. Therefore, after the end of one festival, another religious period begins.

What religious rituals are performed during Pitru Paksha?
During Pitru Paksha, it is customary to perform Shraddha, Tarpan, and Pind Daan in memory of our ancestors. These rituals are performed under the supervision of priests, as per family tradition. Some families also have the custom of donating food or other items to the needy during this time. According to religious beliefs, remembering ancestors and giving charity are given special importance during this time.

Why was it named 'Pitru Paksha'?

"Pitru" means ancestors, and "Paksha" refers to a fortnight of the lunar month. Since this period is dedicated to remembering ancestors, it is called Pitru Paksha. In Maharashtra, it is also called Pitru Pandharwada.

The sequence of Anant Chaturdashi and Pitru Paksha varies each year depending on the lunar dates in the calendar. Therefore, it is not necessary that Pitru Paksha begins on the day after Anant Chaturdashi every year. It is best to check the dates and days of Shraddha according to the local calendar.

PC: Navarastra