Honouring the departed

Honouring the departed is prescribed in all religions. Whilst Christians observe All Souls Day and Muslims Shab-e-barat night, the Bhadrapada/Proshtapada month is considered spiritual and highly auspicious by Hindus. The waxing fortnight is termed Proshtapadi and earmarked for spiritual readings and discourses. King Parikshit, after being cursed to die in a week's time, never wasted a moment and left for the forest for spiritual progress, where he listened to the Bhagawat Puran from the exalted saint Shukha, son of Vedavyas.

Parikshit sat with rapt attention, forsaking food, water and sleep, and left his mortal coil effortlessly on the seventh day and attained salvation. The Bhagawat saptaha practice continues to this day, especially during Proshtapadi. The waning fortnight of Bhadrapada, named pitri/pitr paksh, is held sacrosanct for paying oblation to one's ancestors. Notwithstanding the annual shraddh performed for family ancestors, the Pitr Paksh fortnight holds special significance. During this period, one may offer a simple til tarpan or undertake an elaborate ritual, through which scores of pind pradan are performed for all ancestors as well as departed relatives and acquaintances.

It is considered fruitful if one performs the ritual on the thithi/ lunar day on which one's parents departed, or one may perform the ritual on the Mahalaya Amavasya. This Vedic practice is performed in honour of ancestors/all souls for their peace, progress and blessings.