Odisha observes Pitru Paksha as families perform sacred rituals for ancestors

Pitru Paksha, the fortnight dedicated to ancestors, began on Monday and will continue for the next 15 days until Mahalaya. During this period, devotees honour their forefathers through rituals such as offering sesame water (Til Tarpan) and rice balls (Pinda Daan). 

At Srikshetra, large gatherings were seen at sacred ponds including Mahodadhi, Shwetaganga, Markanda, Indradyumna and Narendra, where rituals were performed with devotion. In Bhubaneswar too, crowds thronged Bindu Sagar to carry out Pinda Daan ceremonies.

Belief in Ancestral Blessings

According to belief, ancestors descend during this fortnight to bestow their blessings. On Diwali, they are farewelled with the saying that they come in darkness and depart in light. Many families observed Shraddha rites today to pay homage to their forefathers.

Also Read: Why this year's Pitru Paksha is special?

Voices from Devotees

A resident of Bhubaneswar said, “Today marks the first day of Pitru Paksha, and performing Til Tarpan and Pinda Daan on this day is believed to bring peace to our ancestors. Throughout this period, we avoid non-vegetarian food. Whatever is cooked is first offered to Agni before we consume it.”

Another devotee shared, “We first changed into a new Paita (Janeu or sacred thread), as the one we wore was considered inauspicious due to yesterday’s lunar eclipse. After that, we carried out the rest of the rituals. On Mahalaya, we will perform Shraddha.”

Priests' Guide Ritual Observance

A priest explained, “This is a sacred time when people generally refrain from beginning any new work. However, offering Til Tarpan and Pinda Daan to one’s ancestors can and should be performed, even though the fortnight follows a lunar eclipse.”