pitru

Pitru, from the Sanskrit pitṛ meaning father or forefather, denotes one's ancestors in Hinduism and related Indian traditions. The term commonly refers to the paternal lineage regarded as a living presence whose welfare is linked to the fortunes of the living family.

Etymology and scope: Pitru is part of a broader veneration of forebears in which ancestors are believed to influence the lives of descendants. Ritual concerns center on ensuring peace for the Pitru and blessings for the living. The concept appears across Vedic, Puranic, and Smriti literature, and is observed in diverse regional practices within Hindu communities.

Rituals and practices: The principal acts are Shraddha rites, pinda-dan (rice ball offerings), and tarpan (offerings of water with sesame seeds). Shraddha ceremonies are conducted by sons or grandsons and may involve recitations, feeding Brahmin priests, and distributing food to the needy in honor of the ancestors. Pinda-dan involves shaping and offering rice balls to the Pitru, often performed at sacred rivers or a consecrated place.

Pitru Paksha: A key period is Pitru Paksha, a 16-day observance during the Krishna Paksha of the Hindu month Bhadrāpadā (roughly September to October). During this time, families intensify rites to honor ancestors, particularly from the paternal line. Observances and procedures vary by region, with Shraddha on Amavasya and other days also noted in some communities.

Texts and interpretation: References to Pitru and related rites appear in various authorities of Hindu tradition, and ritual prescriptions are described in ritual manuals and regional practice. Beliefs emphasize maintaining harmony with one’s forebears, aiming for peace in the ancestral realm and blessings for descendants.

Contemporary practice: Pitru rites remain a common aspect of Hindu ritual life in India and among diaspora communities, though adherence and emphasis vary by tradition and locality.