Pitra Paksha

History and culture have always occupied a very significant place in our lives and Pitra Paksha is common among them. It is a Hindu tradition where 16 days is reserved for paying homage to the ancestors every year. Pitra Paksha is dedicated to the departed souls and is meant for pleasing them, asking for forgiveness, and ridding oneself of the Pitra Dosha (curse of ancestors). During this period rituals like Shraddh, Tarpan and Pind Daan are performed to please the departed soul from the cycle of birth, life, and death. Such rituals are performed at the Falgu river and after that special prayer is offered at Vishnupad Temple, Gaya. It is believed that during Pitra Paksha consumption of non-vegetarian food is strictly prohibited. Ingredients such as onions, garlic, chana, jeera, black salt, black mustard, cucumbers, brinjal and lentils like masoor dal, black urad dal must not be consumed at all.