Pitru Paksha Pooja — Sunday, October 4

India Cultural Center and Temple

• Dharmo rakshati rakshitaha •

Pitru Paksha Pooja

Sunday, October 4, 2026 • 10:30 AM

Importance of the Festival/Event

Pitru Paksha is a 16-lunar day period when Hindus pay homage to their ancestors (Pitru’s), especially through Tarpana, Pinda Danam (Food offerings) and Shraaddha.According to Hindu mythology, a person born in this world has to pay back debts (Vrinam) to 1. God (Deva), 2. Sages (Rishi), 3. Mother (Matru), 4. Father (Pitru) among several other debts. Debts to Gods are paid by the way of daily pooja’s, yagnas, vrathas etc. Debts to Rishis are paid through Pada pooja, Thirtha Snana etc. Debts to parents are paid back through Tarpana, Pinda Danam, Go Danam, Bhu Danam etc.

As per the Shastras, the souls of three preceding generations of one’s ancestors (both mother’s and father’s side) reside in Pitru Loka, a realm between heaven and earth. Pitru pooja mainly involves doing Tarpana and Pinda Danam to three preceding generations of ancestors. Pitru pooja is also done for family members who have died before reaching their old age. Doing Pitru pooja makes sure the ancestors’ souls get mukthi.

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All are welcome to participate and receive blessings.

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