II "The Pitra Paksha : Shraadh" II

Pitra Paksha or Shraadh begins on 26 September 2007

Pitra Paksha, also  known   as  Mahalay,  is  a  period  of  fifteen  days.  It  is  the  time designated to give devotion or to  offer  respect  to the dead and departed ancestors of the family. These  Fifteen  days   are  called  " Pitra Paksha",  or  most  popularly  known  as "Shraadh" days. They are also called by the name of "Kanagat." The dark half of Ashvina (September-October) is observed as Pitra Paksha throughout the Hindu  world. The   elder 

son or grandsons of the family performs shraadh in honor of the dead a nd  offers respectful  homage, during this period. It is  believed  that  only  after performance of   Shraadh   ritual,  the  soul of  the deceased relative attains moksha. Shraadh is a Sanskrit word which literally means "anything done with sincerity and faith." "Shraadh" also means  "Shraddha"  which  means unconditional reverence. Shraadh  is performed  every  year  on  the  death anniversary of the deceased relative as per the Panchang  (The Hindu calendar)or during this period of dark fortnight called Pitra Paksha.

The family remembers the death tithi or date, as per Hindu calendar of their
ancestors and performs rituals on the same tithi of the dark fortnight of Pitra Paksha.
Bhramins are fed and given dhan-dakhina, for it is believed that whatever is given to
the Brahmins also reach the departed souls. People also donate clothes and other
items to Brahmins and relatives. Shraadh is usually performed for three generations
of Pitris (the father, the grand-father and the great grand-father). A unique element of
this fundamental ritual offerings of Shradha is performed to the ancestors. Meditation,
mantra repetition and prayer also form part of Pitra Paksha. It is considered
auspicious to make offerings to the poor on this occasion.

During the period of Shraadh, traditionally people do not buy or wear new clothes,
and don't get a hair-cut. The day they perform the ritual, male members of the family
do not even shave. Women do not wash their hair on that particular day. Auspicious
works like marriage, settling marriage, any kind of birth ceremony etc. are prohibited
during this period.

Types of Shraadh :
There are 12 types of Shraadh in the Hindu religion.
1. Nitya Shraadh
2. Neimitik Shraadh
3. Kaamya Shraadh
4. Vriddhi Shraadh
5. Sapindan Shraadh
6. Paarvann Shraadh
7. Goshtth Shraadh
8. Shurdhyarth Shraadh
9. Karmaang Shraadh
10. Deivik Shraadh
11. Oupcharik Shraadh
12. Saanvatsarik Shraadh

To conclude, this is one of the most important and noble ceremony or ritual of the
Hindu religion, it is necessary that the performer of this ritual understands the
importance of it. Only then the true aim of the ritual will be fulfilled. It is also believed
that if shraadh is performed with whole devotion, the ancestors bless and that house
always prospers.