THE annual rite of Pitri Paksh (more popularly known as ‘Peter Pak’ in Guyana) was observed by New York-based Indo-Guyanese over the last two weeks. It is a period during which people pay homage to the Lord to bless the departed souls of their ancestors and relatives in one’s lineage and relieve them of sufferings.
It is an occasion to express deepest gratitude to deceased elders for what they did on our behalf.
Hindu Guyanese in the New York area as well as around the globe prayed for their ancestors contributions to better our lives.
Many NY Guyanese said they made offerings in their homes and some even invited pandits to conduct special puja on the occasion. Any day was appropriate for pitri puja. Non Hindus also use the occasion to pay homage to their ancestors.
During puja, people petition Lord Jhamraj, the God of Death, to forgive the souls of their departed ancestors (for any wrong doings) so they can rest in peace and at the same time also pay tribute to their ancestors for the immense contributions and services they rendered to humanity during their lifetimes.
Our ancestors did so much for us in Guyana and in the diaspora that it is a duty that we pray for their souls.
And many grateful Guyanese did so. Pitri or Shraddh puja must be performed with faith, devotion and reverence.
According to Hindu scriptures, a son who does not perform Shraddh for his ancestors is an ungrateful son. The scriptures condemn such a person to a life of misery and poverty.
Offering pitri is one of the important duties of every person according to the Hindu belief. It is also a means of instilling reverence for elders in the minds of the younger generation. People should be cognizant of the fact that our ancestors made tremendous sacrifices and contributions for our wellbeing.
Thus, our pitris (ancestors) must be regarded as glorious as heaven and as pioneers of dharma.
It is a time for us to remember our own sacrifice, perseverance, determination to thrive for success and we recognize our own limitations.
Pitri Paksh is the remembrance of departed ancestor souls by paying respect through prayers, fasting, performance of special rituals, and chanting of mantras.
People offered water, black till (sesame seeds), rice and flowers to the Lord on the occasion.
Some people made daily offerings for the entire period of 14 mornings while others made offerings on selected days.
Families get together and make these special offerings and sing bhajans for the soul of their fore-parents and other relatives who passed away.
On one day, favourite vegetarian foods of the departed person are specially prepared and offered after performing a puja.
Round balls of rice and flour, called pinda, are also offered, along with the sacred kusha grass and flowers, amidst sprinkling of water, black till (sesame seeds), and chanting of mantras from the Sam Veda. The pinda is dissolved in water. At the conclusion of the puja, the family offers a sidha (flour, sugar, grains alou, money, etc).
According to Hindu beliefs, the pitris look forward for these offerings from relatives. If the pitris are pleased with the offerings, then the lord showers his grace on the devotees and is merciful on the soul.
It is noted that during pitri paksh, people generally do not start new projects, buildings or start investments. Pitri Paksh culminates with the beginning of navratri which is the worshipping of the universal mother starting on Tuesday night. Guyanese Temples in NY are usually packed to capacity for the festival which lasts nine nights.