Pitru Paksha Begins, Devotees Throng Puri, Bhubaneswar and Nabhi Gaya

Pitru Paksha, the 15-day period dedicated to remembering and paying homage to ancestors, began on Sunday with devotees gathering in large numbers at important religious sites across Odisha.

On the first day of Pitru Paksha, which falls on Ashwin Krishna Pratipada, devotees performed rituals such as Shraddha, Tarpan and Pind Daan for the peace and salvation of their departed ancestors.

Large crowds were witnessed at the sacred pilgrimage sites of Puri, Bhubaneswar and Jajpur, where people participated in traditional rituals and offered prayers for their ancestors.

Devotees Perform Rituals in Puri

In Puri, a large number of devotees gathered at various sacred ponds and the Mahodadhi on the first day of Pitru Paksha. Many devotees also performed Tarpan, Shraddha and Pind Daan near the northern gate of the Shree Jagannath Temple, where priests conducted the rituals.

Devotees offered water, sesame and other traditional items as part of the rituals dedicated to their ancestors.

Pind Daan at Bindusagar

Bindusagar near the Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar also witnessed a significant gathering of devotees from the early morning.

Families performed Shraddha, Tarpan and Pind Daan seeking peace for the souls of their departed ancestors. Along with the rituals, many families also followed traditional practices such as charity and feeding Brahmins.

Heavy Rush at Nabhi Gaya in Jajpur

Nabhi Gaya, located at the famous Maa Biraja shrine in Jajpur, also witnessed a heavy rush of devotees on the occasion.

According to religious belief, performing Pind Daan at Nabhi Gaya during Pitru Paksha helps departed ancestors attain salvation. Devotees from different parts of Odisha and neighbouring states visit the sacred site to perform the rituals.

There is also a traditional belief that devotees who perform Pind Daan and subsequently have darshan of Maa Biraja receive spiritual benefits and relief from past sins.

Pind Daan Rituals to Continue for 15 Days

Pitru Paksha will continue for 15 days and conclude with Mahalaya Amavasya. During this period, people traditionally perform Tarpan, Shraddha and Pind Daan for their ancestors.

According to Hindu tradition, ancestors are believed to be pleased by the offerings and rituals performed by their descendants and bless families with peace, prosperity and well-being.

The period is also observed with various customary practices and restrictions. Devotees following traditional rituals generally maintain purity and discipline while performing Shraddha and Tarpan. Practices concerning food, personal grooming and other daily activities may vary according to family traditions and local customs.

The first day of Pitru Paksha thus saw major religious centres across Odisha witnessing a steady flow of devotees as families observed rituals in memory of their ancestors.