Hare Krishna!

Every family has a history. Behind each generation stand parents, grandparents and previous generations through whom the family line has continued. Vedic culture therefore teaches gratitude and remembrance toward one's forefathers, while at the same time directing all such activities toward the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Sri Krishna.

Pitru Paksha is the fortnight traditionally set aside for such remembrance and for performing prescribed forms of sraddha for departed family members.

For a devotee, however, ancestral observances are not an independent spiritual goal. Sri Krishna is the ultimate object of worship, and the Vedic system of offering to the forefathers is properly understood in relationship to Him. Srila Prabhupada repeatedly emphasizes that food should first be offered to the Supreme Lord and that bhagavata-prasada should then be distributed to others, including one's forefathers.

This article explains the dates of Pitru Paksha in 2026, the principal tithis and their traditional observances, and how devotees may honour their forefathers in a manner consistent with the teachings of Srila Prabhupada.

Hands pouring water over a brass plate of rice, sesame and a flower at a riverbank at sunrise, beside a lit lamp and incense, with the forefathers remembered in the sky

Remember your forefathers this Pitru Paksha

Offer Pitru Paksha Seva

Pitru Paksha 2026: Key Facts

Detail Pitru Paksha 2026
Observance Pitru Paksha, also called Mahalaya Paksha or Shraddha Paksha
Begins Saturday, 26 September 2026 — Purnima Shraddha
Ends Saturday, 10 October 2026 — Mahalaya / Sarva Pitru Amavasya
Duration Sixteen tithis across fifteen civil days
Final day Sarva Pitru Amavasya
Ekadashi Tuesday, 6 October — shraddha is not performed on Ekadashi
Dwadashi Wednesday, 7 October — Ekadashi-related shraddha is observed here
Devotional observances Worship of Sri Krishna, prasada distribution, charity, Vaishnava-seva and other appropriate devotional service

What Is Pitru Paksha?

Pitá¹›-paká¹£a is the fortnight traditionally associated with remembrance and offerings for departed forefathers. It falls in the dark fortnight leading to Amavasya and concludes with Mahalaya Amavasya.

The term pitá¹› refers to a forefather or ancestor, while paká¹£a means a fortnight.

The Vedic literature recognizes obligations toward one's forefathers as part of ordinary material and social life. At the same time, the BhÄgavata tradition teaches that these obligations are ultimately subordinate to devotion to the Supreme Lord.

This distinction is particularly important for devotees of Krishna. Pitru Paksha should neither be treated as a period of fear nor elevated above Krishna-bhakti.

How Long Does Pitru Paksha Last?

Traditionally, the observance encompasses the lunar tithis from Purnima through Amavasya. Because a lunar tithi does not necessarily correspond to one civil calendar day, two tithis can sometimes occur on the same day.

In the 2026 calendar used for this article, Saptami and Ashtami both occur on Saturday, 3 October, resulting in sixteen tithis being observed across fifteen civil days.

What Is Pitru Paksha Called Across India?

Different regions use different names for the same general period:

  • Pitru Paksha / Pitri Paksha — the most widely used designation.

  • Shraddha Paksha / Shraddh Paksh — common in northern India.

  • Kanagat — a regional name associated with the Sun's passage through Kanya (Virgo).

  • Mahalaya Paksha / Mahalaya Paksham — used in several parts of western and southern India.

  • Pitru Pandharwada — used particularly in Maharashtra.

  • Mahalaya — especially associated with Bengal, where the term commonly refers to the concluding Amavasya.

Regional terminology therefore varies, although the underlying ancestral observance is broadly recognized.

Pitru Paksha 2026: Start and End Dates

The dates below follow the Vaishnava calendar specified for this article.

Start Date

Pitru Paksha begins on Saturday, 26 September 2026, with Purnima Shraddha.

This observance is associated with those whose death occurred on the Purnima tithi.

End Date

The fortnight concludes on Saturday, 10 October 2026, with Mahalaya Amavasya, also known as Sarva Pitru Amavasya.

This final Amavasya is traditionally used for remembering forefathers when their particular death tithi is unknown or when the family wishes to make a collective offering.

The 16 Tithis of Pitru Paksha 2026

The traditional principle is to observe the Å›rÄddha according to the lunar tithi on which the person passed away, rather than simply according to the solar calendar date.

Date Day Tithi Traditional observance
26 Sep Sat Purnima Purnima Shraddha; Sri Visvarupa Mahotsava
27 Sep Sun Pratipada Third month of Caturmasya begins
28 Sep Mon Dwitiya Shraddha according to the applicable tithi
29 Sep Tue Tritiya Shraddha according to the applicable tithi
30 Sep Wed Chaturthi Shraddha according to the applicable tithi
1 Oct Thu Panchami Shraddha according to the applicable tithi
2 Oct Fri Shashthi Shraddha according to the applicable tithi
3 Oct Sat Saptami & Ashtami Both tithis occur on the same civil day
4 Oct Sun Navami Matru Navami
5 Oct Mon Dashami Shraddha according to the applicable tithi
6 Oct Tue Ekadashi Indira Ekadashi; no shraddha
7 Oct Wed Dwadashi Ekadashi-related shraddha is observed on Dwadashi
8 Oct Thu Trayodashi Shraddha according to the applicable tithi
9 Oct Fri Chaturdashi Traditionally associated with certain exceptional deaths
10 Oct Sat Amavasya Mahalaya / Sarva Pitru Amavasya

Why Is There No Shraddha on Ekadashi?

This point is particularly important in Vaishnava practice.

In his purport to Srimad-Bhagavatam 7.14.20–23, Srila Prabhupada cites Srila Jiva Gosvami's explanation that offerings to the forefathers should not be made on Ekadashi. If a death anniversary falls on Ekadashi, the ceremony should instead be performed on the following Dvadashi.

Ekadashi is especially dedicated to increasing one's remembrance of Lord Krishna through fasting, chanting and hearing. Therefore, the ancestral Å›rÄddha is moved to Dvadashi.

Which Tithi Should You Observe?

For a traditional annual Å›rÄddha, the relevant consideration is generally the lunar tithi on which the person departed.

If the particular tithi is unknown, Sarva Pitru Amavasya is traditionally used as a collective day of remembrance.

If the death occurred on Ekadashi, the Å›rÄddha is shifted to Dvadashi rather than performed on Ekadashi.

Because rules concerning tithi observance can vary according to calendar and regional tradition, families performing formal Å›rÄddha should follow the guidance of a qualified Vaiṣṇava or knowledgeable priest familiar with the relevant calendar.

Special Tithis

Matru Navami

Sunday, 4 October 2026 is Navami.

In the traditional Å›rÄddha system, Matru Navami is particularly associated with remembrance of deceased mothers and other maternal figures.

Chaturdashi

Friday, 9 October 2026 is Chaturdashi.

Traditional DharmaÅ›Ästra practice particularly associates this tithi with persons who died unusually or violently. Exact observance can vary according to family and regional tradition.

Matamaha Shraddha

The traditional mÄtÄmaha Å›rÄddha is associated with offerings by a daughter's son for his maternal grandfather. Its exact observance and calendar placement should be determined according to the relevant regional tradition and calendar.

Pitru Paksha, Mahalaya Amavasya and Shraddha

These three terms are related but should not be confused.

  • Pitru Paksha — the entire fortnight.

  • Mahalaya Amavasya — the concluding Amavasya.

  • Shraddha — the broader term for rites and offerings performed with faith for departed forefathers.

Thus, Mahalaya Amavasya is part of Pitru Paksha, rather than being synonymous with the entire fortnight.

Is Shraddha Performed Only During Pitru Paksha?

No.

The Srimad-Bhagavatam describes numerous occasions on which Å›rÄddha may be performed.

In SB 7.14.20–23, Narada Muni describes various auspicious times for offerings to the forefathers. Later, in SB 7.14.26, funeral and annual death ceremonies are also mentioned.

Therefore, Pitru Paksha should not be understood as the only period during which Å›rÄddha exists. Rather, it is a particularly significant period when ancestral observances are traditionally performed on a broader scale.

Pitru Paksha in the Vaishnava Understanding

This is the most important philosophical point.

Vedic culture recognizes duties toward parents, forefathers, sages, demigods and other living beings. Yet Srila Prabhupada teaches that complete surrender to Lord Krishna places the devotee beyond material indebtedness.

In his purport to Bhagavad-gita 1.41, Srila Prabhupada quotes Srimad-Bhagavatam 11.5.41:

devará¹£i-bhÅ«tÄpta-nṛṇÄá¹ pitá¹á¹‡Äá¹
na kiá¹…karo nÄyam ṛṇī ca rÄjan
sarvÄtmanÄ yaḥ Å›araṇaá¹ Å›araṇyaá¹
gato mukundaá¹ parihá¹›tya kartam

The verse explains that one who has completely taken shelter of Mukunda is no longer materially indebted to the demigods, sages, living beings, human society or forefathers.

This does not mean that devotees should become disrespectful toward their parents or forefathers. Rather, it establishes the hierarchy of spiritual priorities: devotion to Krishna is the supreme duty.

Srila Prabhupada also explains in the same context that devotional service can benefit one's forefathers.

What About Prahlada Maharaja?

The example of Prahlada Maharaja provides an important complementary principle.

After Lord Nrsimhadeva killed Hiranyakasipu, the Lord told Prahlada:

kuru tvaá¹ preta-ká¹›tyÄni
pituḥ pūtasya sarvaśaḥ

The Lord instructed Prahlada to perform the appropriate ceremonies for his father, who had already been purified by the Lord.

Srimad-Bhagavatam 7.10.22 therefore shows that even in the case of a great devotee such as Prahlada, prescribed social and religious duties were not simply ignored.

Then SB 7.10.24 states that Prahlada performed the ritualistic ceremonies for his father.

The two teachings therefore complement one another:

  1. Complete surrender to Mukunda frees the devotee from material indebtedness.
  2. A devotee may nevertheless perform appropriate duties and customs in harmony with bhakti.
  3. Such duties should never be mistaken for the supreme goal of life.

The supreme goal remains loving service to Sri Krishna.

The Proper Offering: Krishna's Prasadam

How, then, should a devotee approach Å›rÄddha?

The Srimad-Bhagavatam 7.15.5–6 gives a particularly important principle.

Food should first be offered to the Supreme Lord. The Lord's prasadam can then be distributed to Vaishnavas, brahmanas, forefathers, the general population and one's own family.

Srila Prabhupada's purport and summary to this section emphasize the importance of distributing bhagavata-prasada to one's forefathers and relatives. He describes this as making a first-class Å›rÄddha ceremony.

This is an especially significant point for devotees.

Rather than regarding Å›rÄddha as an independent transaction with departed souls, the devotee places Krishna at the center:

Prepare food → offer it to Krishna → honour and distribute the prasadam → remember the forefathers in connection with the Lord.

The process is therefore devotional rather than merely ritualistic.

Why Is Pitru Paksha Observed?

The Bhagavatam itself mentions the ancestral observance associated with this period.

In Srimad-Bhagavatam 7.14.19, Narada Muni instructs Maharaja Yudhisthira concerning offerings to the forefathers during the relevant period and refers to the mahalaya ceremonies.

The same section also cautions against extravagant expenditure. Religious duties should be performed according to one's means rather than becoming an occasion for unnecessary display.

This principle is valuable today. A family does not need to spend beyond its means to make its remembrance meaningful.

A simple offering of Krishna-prasadam, charity, Vaishnava-seva and sincere remembrance can be approached in the spirit of devotional service.

What Does Srila Prabhupada Say About the Annual Offering?

In his lecture on Bhagavad-gita 1.41–42, London, 29 July 1973, Srila Prabhupada explained the traditional obligation toward the forefathers and discussed the offering of piṇá¸a and water.

He also explained that Vedic culture establishes particular times when such offerings are made.

The important point for a devotee is that such ancestral observances should be understood within the larger framework of Krishna consciousness rather than treated as independent spiritual advancement.

The Garuda Purana and Pitru Paksha

The Garuda Purana contains extensive discussions concerning death, the condition of the departed, funeral rites and ancestral offerings. It is therefore one of the traditional sources behind many popular Hindu understandings of Å›rÄddha and Pitru Paksha.

However, its descriptions should not automatically be presented as though every detail constitutes a direct teaching of Srila Prabhupada.

For this article, the central philosophical standard is therefore taken from Bhagavad-gita, Srimad-Bhagavatam and Srila Prabhupada's own purports and lectures. Traditional PurÄṇic and regional practices may be mentioned separately where appropriate.

What Is Pitru Loka?

The Vedic literature describes Pitá¹›loka as a destination associated with departed forefathers.

Lord Krishna says in Bhagavad-gita 9.25:

"Those who worship the demigods will take birth among the demigods; those who worship ghosts and spirits will take birth among such beings; those who worship the ancestors go to the ancestors; and those who worship Me will live with Me."

Pitá¹›loka is therefore acknowledged within the Vedic cosmological system.

But Krishna's statement also establishes the spiritual hierarchy.

The devotee's ultimate destination is not Pitá¹›loka. It is Krishna.

Srila Prabhupada repeatedly teaches that material planetary destinations, even highly elevated ones, remain within the realm of birth and death. The devotee therefore respects the forefathers without making their destination his own spiritual objective.

Aryama and the Pitrs

In Bhagavad-gita 10.29, Krishna says:

"Among the Pitá¹›s I am AryamÄ."

The Srimad-Bhagavatam also describes Aryama in connection with the Pitá¹›s and their offerings.

These descriptions establish that the ancestral realm has a recognized place within the Vedic cosmology. They do not, however, make ancestral worship equivalent to direct worship of Krishna.

For the Vaiṣṇava, all such worship is ultimately understood in relation to the Supreme Lord.

Shraddha, Tarpana and Pinda-dana

These terms refer to related but distinct practices.

What Is Shraddha?

ÅšrÄddha comes from Å›raddhÄ, meaning faith.

It broadly refers to rites and offerings performed with faith for departed forefathers.

Within the Vaiṣṇava framework emphasized by Srila Prabhupada, the important principle is that food is offered to Krishna first and that His prasadam is then distributed.

What Is Tarpana?

Tarpaṇa refers broadly to offerings intended to satisfy or honour particular beings, especially through water offerings.

Traditional ancestral tarpaṇa commonly involves water and sesame seeds.

Specific procedures, mantras and eligibility rules vary according to the tradition followed by the family and should therefore be learned from a qualified practitioner rather than reconstructed from a general article.

What Is Pinda-dana?

Piṇá¸a refers to a traditional food offering, often prepared in the form of a ball.

In his purport to Srimad-Bhagavatam 4.27.8, Srila Prabhupada explains the importance traditionally placed upon descendants offering food and funeral rites for departed forefathers. He also identifies piṇá¸odaka with offerings made in the name of Lord Vishnu.

Thus, the Vaiṣṇava understanding again places Vishnu at the center.

Gaya and Vishnu Pada

Gaya is especially renowned in the Vedic tradition for ancestral offerings.

Most significantly for Gaudiya Vaishnavas, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu personally went to Gaya and performed piṇá¸a-dana for His departed father.

In his purport to Sri Caitanya-caritamrta, Adi-lila 17.8, Srila Prabhupada explains that Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu went to Gaya to offer oblations to His forefathers and describes the offering at the lotus feet of Lord Vishnu.

Gaya is therefore an important sacred place associated with ancestral rites.

At the same time, this does not mean that every family must travel to Gaya to fulfil its ancestral responsibilities. Traditional Å›rÄddha practices can be performed according to the appropriate household and regional system.

Should Shraddha Be Performed at Home or at Gaya?

The traditional household Å›rÄddha does not require every family to travel to Gaya.

A family may perform appropriate ancestral rites at home under the guidance of a qualified practitioner.

Gaya and other sacred places are especially revered in the traditional system, and the scriptures praise the performance of religious activities at holy places.

The essential consideration is therefore not simply geography but proper procedure, qualified guidance, sincerity and the centrality of Lord Vishnu/Krishna.

What Does Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir Offer?

Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir does not perform traditional tarpana or piṇá¸a-dÄna as a substitute for a family's formal ancestral ceremony.

Instead, devotees may make devotional offerings in remembrance of their forefathers through services connected with the temple.

These include:

  • Special Puja and Sankalpa
  • Narasimha Havan
  • Annadan
  • Gau Seva
  • Mandir Nirmaṇa

These should be understood as devotional seva offered to the Lord in remembrance of one's family, rather than as identical to the traditional Å›rÄddha rites.

Other Vaishnava Observances During Pitru Paksha

Pitru Paksha can overlap with important dates in the Vaishnava calendar.

Sri Visvarupa Mahotsava

Saturday, 26 September 2026 is Sri Visvarupa Mahotsava, commemorating the sannyasa of Visvarupa, the elder brother of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.

It is also associated with the anniversary of Srila Prabhupada's acceptance of sannyasa in 1959.

Third Month of Caturmasya

Sunday, 27 September 2026 marks the beginning of the third month of Caturmasya according to the calendar being followed.

Indira Ekadashi

Tuesday, 6 October 2026 is Indira Ekadashi.

The traditional history of this Ekadashi is itself connected with the liberation of a departed father. Nevertheless, the important Vaishnava principle remains that Ekadashi is reserved for increased devotional observance, and the Å›rÄddha associated with an Ekadashi tithi is moved to Dvadashi.

How to Honour Your Forefathers During Pitru Paksha

A devotee need not approach Pitru Paksha with fear.

A simple and spiritually meaningful approach is:

  1. Remember your forefathers with gratitude.
  2. Prepare vegetarian food with care.
  3. Offer the food to Lord Krishna.
  4. Distribute the resulting prasadam.
  5. Feed Vaishnavas, guests or those in need.
  6. Chant the Hare Krishna maha-mantra.
  7. Read Bhagavad-gita or Srimad-Bhagavatam.
  8. Perform appropriate Å›rÄddha rites when required by your family tradition.
  9. Give charity according to your means.
  10. Pray for the spiritual welfare of your family and for everyone's progress in Krishna consciousness.

In this way, remembrance of one's ancestors becomes an opportunity to increase one's remembrance of Krishna.

Sarva Pitru Amavasya

Saturday, 10 October 2026 is Mahalaya Amavasya, also known as Sarva Pitru Amavasya.

It is traditionally used for remembering forefathers collectively, particularly when the precise death tithi is unknown.

Families who cannot perform separate observances for every departed relative may therefore use this day for collective remembrance according to their tradition.

The day should not be approached with fear or superstition. The devotee's mood is one of gratitude, service and remembrance of Krishna.

Is Pitru Paksha Inauspicious?

Pitru Paksha should not be described simply as an "inauspicious" period.

The ancestral rites themselves are prescribed within the Vedic system, and the Bhagavatam describes them as religious duties.

At the same time, some communities avoid certain auspicious ceremonies or new beginnings during this period according to their traditional muhurta system.

These customs should be distinguished from direct statements in Srila Prabhupada's books.

For devotees, there is no reason to become fearful of the fortnight. One should continue one's devotional service, chanting, Deity worship and hearing as usual while observing appropriate ancestral duties according to one's tradition.

Can You Buy New Things During Pitru Paksha?

Some families traditionally avoid major purchases during Pitru Paksha.

However, this should not be presented as a universal prohibition established by Srila Prabhupada.

If a family follows such a custom, it may continue to do so. But ordinary necessities and activities connected with Krishna's service should not be treated as spiritually contaminated simply because they occur during Pitru Paksha.

Can You Celebrate a Birthday During Pitru Paksha?

There is no general principle in Srila Prabhupada's teachings establishing that birthdays become forbidden during Pitru Paksha.

A family may choose to keep its traditional customs regarding celebrations.

For devotees, the important consideration is that any celebration should remain compatible with devotional principles: Krishna consciousness, kirtana, prasadam and service rather than unnecessary material extravagance.

Can Shraddha Be Performed on Ekadashi?

No.

According to the principle explained by Srila Prabhupada in SB 7.14.20–23, Å›rÄddha should not be performed on Ekadashi.

When the relevant death tithi falls on Ekadashi, the ancestral ceremony is moved to Dvadashi.

In 2026, this means that Å›rÄddha is not performed on Tuesday, 6 October, but is observed on Wednesday, 7 October, according to the calendar used here.

Serving in Their Name: Pitru Paksha Seva at Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir

The Bhagavatam emphasizes that religious activities become especially potent when performed in the association of devotees and at holy places.

In Srimad-Bhagavatam 7.14.27–33, Narada Muni discusses the importance of places associated with the Lord and His devotees, including Mathura and other sacred places.

Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir is situated in the sacred land of Vrindavan, where devotees worship Sri Radha-Vrindavan Chandra.

During Pitru Paksha, families may therefore choose to make a devotional offering to the Lord in remembrance of their forefathers.

Special Puja and Sankalpa

A Special Puja and Sankalpa may be offered to Sri Radha Vrindavan Chandra in remembrance of departed family members.

Narasimha Havan

Narasimha worship is particularly meaningful in connection with the scriptural history of Prahlada Maharaja and his father, Hiranyakasipu. Lord Nrsimhadeva declared that Prahlada's father had been purified by the Lord's touch and instructed Prahlada to perform the appropriate ceremonies.

Annadan

Annadan provides an opportunity to distribute prasadam to devotees, pilgrims and those in need.

This harmonizes particularly well with Srila Prabhupada's emphasis on distribution of bhagavata-prasada.

Gau Seva

Families may also offer service to the cows of Braj in remembrance of their forefathers.

Mandir Nirmaṇa

A contribution toward temple construction can likewise be made as an act of devotional service offered to Lord Krishna.

These services are devotional offerings made in remembrance of one's forefathers. They should not be confused with the technical rites of traditional Å›rÄddha.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What should we not do during Pitru Paksha?

Different families observe different customs concerning weddings, housewarmings, purchases, haircuts and other activities.

These customs should not automatically be presented as universal scriptural prohibitions, particularly since Srila Prabhupada did not establish a general list of such restrictions for Pitru Paksha.

What is important is to observe appropriate ancestral duties, avoid meat and other prohibited offerings, and remember that devotional service to Krishna remains one's central spiritual responsibility.

2. Can we eat non-vegetarian food during Pitru Paksha?

For devotees following Srila Prabhupada's teachings, Krishna's prasadam is always vegetarian.

Moreover, Srimad-Bhagavatam 7.15.7 specifically states that meat should not be used in Å›rÄddha offerings.

Therefore, devotees should not offer meat, fish or eggs in ancestral ceremonies.

3. What should we eat during Pitru Paksha?

The devotee should eat Krishna-prasadam.

Food may be prepared simply and carefully, offered first to Lord Krishna and then honoured as prasadam.

Traditional Å›rÄddha preparations may include grains, ghee, milk preparations and other vegetarian foods, according to the family's tradition.

The essential principle is that Krishna should be offered the food first.

4. Why are crows fed during Pitru Paksha?

Feeding crows is a popular regional custom associated with Pitru Paksha.

However, it should not be presented as a universal requirement of Srila Prabhupada's teachings.

The broader Bhagavatam principle is that prasadam may be distributed to forefathers, devotees, people generally and other living beings.

A devotee therefore need not assume that a crow itself is literally the forefather.

5. Can we cut hair or nails during Pitru Paksha?

Some families avoid haircuts or nail cutting during ancestral observances.

This is primarily a matter of traditional practice and should not be represented as a universal prohibition established by Srila Prabhupada.

Families may follow their established customs.

6. Can we celebrate a birthday or anniversary during Pitru Paksha?

There is no general prohibition in Srila Prabhupada's books against celebrating a birthday during this fortnight.

Families may choose to observe their own traditions.

A devotee should keep celebrations compatible with Krishna consciousness, such as kirtana, prasadam and devotional service.

7. Who can perform shraddha?

Traditional Å›rÄddha procedures have particular rules concerning who performs which rite, and these rules vary according to the family tradition.

Prahlada Maharaja provides the prominent Bhagavatam example of a son performing the ceremony for his father.

At the same time, the broader devotional principle of distributing Krishna-prasadam in remembrance of one's forefathers is not limited to a single family member.

For a formal Å›rÄddha ceremony, families should follow the guidance of a qualified practitioner familiar with their sampradaya and customary rules.

8. Can we go to the temple during Pitru Paksha?

Yes.

Temple worship, chanting, hearing Srimad-Bhagavatam, taking darshan of the Deity and honouring prasadam are fully compatible with Krishna consciousness during Pitru Paksha.

Indeed, the central principle is that ancestral remembrance should be connected with service to Lord Krishna.

9. Can we do puja at home during Pitru Paksha?

Yes.

A devotee should continue regular worship of Lord Krishna at home.

If the family is also performing traditional ancestral rites, those rites may be performed according to the applicable procedure and guidance.

The important Ekadashi distinction is that regular devotional worship continues on Ekadashi, while the Å›rÄddha offering itself is shifted to Dvadashi when the relevant tithi falls on Ekadashi.

The Heart of Pitru Paksha

Pitru Paksha can therefore be approached without fear and without neglecting the Vedic tradition.

We remember those through whom our family line has come.

We acknowledge the traditional duties toward the forefathers.

We offer food to Lord Krishna.

We distribute His prasadam.

We serve devotees, cows, guests and those in need.

And above all, we remember that the ultimate purpose of human life is not to remain within the cycle of ancestral and material obligations, but to revive our eternal relationship with the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

As Sri Krishna says:

"Those who worship the ancestors go to the ancestors, but those who worship Me will live with Me."

— Bhagavad-gita 9.25

Thus the Vaiṣṇava honours the forefathers, but takes shelter of Krishna.

The remembrance of our ancestors can become an occasion for deeper remembrance of the Supreme Lord.

Hare Krishna!