Shraddha Paksha is also known as Pitru Paksha. It is an important period of 16 days falling in the month of Bhadrapad according to the Hindu calendar. During this time, we perform tarpan, shraddha, rituals and pray for the peace of the souls of our ancestors. At this time, we remember them, honour them, recall the good moments spent with them and pray for their peace. By participating in Pitru Paksha, we not only pay tribute to them but also express gratitude and cooperation towards them.
Why Donation Holds Special Value in Pitru Paksha
Charity and good deeds are considered extremely auspicious during the Shraadh Paksha. It is said in the scriptures that charity and good deeds done in honour of ancestors at this time ensure peace for their departed souls. It is believed that, at this time, ancestors come to earth, and the deeds done in their honour give them happiness and peace.
You can perform Tarpan and Pinddaan for the peace of ancestors. And after that, you can do another great donation, Annadaan (Food donation). During this time, you can feed sadhus, saints, and brahmacharis. All these deeds give peace to the souls of our ancestors, grandfathers, and great-grandfathers while bringing blessings to the family.
Types of Donations Considered Auspicious
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Tarpan (Water Offering)
Tarpan quenches the thirst of the souls of ancestors and provides them with satisfaction.
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Pinddaan & Annadaan
Offering pinddaan and food donations satisfies the needy and leads the departed soul towards peace and salvation.
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Donations to Brahmins
Supporting Brahmins through food, clothes, or financial help is regarded as a noble act during Pitru Paksha.
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Gau Seva (Cow Service)
Feeding, caring, and serving cows is considered the most sacred service performed during Pitru Paksha. It symbolizes nurturing life and prosperity.
Helping the Needy and Differently-Abled: The Highest Form of Charity
While Tarpan, Pinddaan, Annadaan, and Gau Seva have special importance, serving and helping the differently-abled is also considered extremely pious in Shraddh Paksha. Donating prosthetic limbs, calipers, wheelchairs, or other necessary aids to the differently-abled not only brings new light to their lives but also provides satisfaction to the souls of the ancestors.
It is said in the scriptures that when we help the needy and helpless, our ancestors attain peace and salvation. Empowering the differently-abled, making them self-reliant, and being the reason for their smile is one of the best donations to be made in Pitru Paksha. Organisations like Narayan Seva Sansthan dedicate themselves to serving differently-abled individuals through surgeries, physiotherapy, education, and livelihood programs.
Donation as a Way to Bring Peace to Ancestors and Hope to Society
Donating during Pitru Paksha is both pious and meaningful. Spiritually, it gives peace to departed souls and brings their blessings. Socially, it uplifts the needy, spreads compassion, dignity, and respect in society, and helps build an inclusive future.