‘PITRI PAKSHA’, literally means the fortnight of ancestors. It is a period that lasts for 14-15 days which Hindus use to reflect upon the importance of the contributions their ancestors made to their lives. Though everyday one should reflect on the roles ancestors played in his/her life, here Hindus set aside an ideal set of days for such reflection, called ‘Pitri Paksha’. Pitri Paksha falls in the dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha) in the Hindu month, Aashwin (September—October).

Hindu scriptures teach the path of gratitude and duty. It is from the very genesis that Hindus are obligated to express gratitude to three forces that have shaped and sustained their lives; and awaken their minds to sublime comprehension of the path that is destined for every human being—the road of uniting with the Creator—God. To this end, Hindus become obligated to the worship of God (Deva Yajna); the adoration of Sages (Rishi Yajna); and the reflection and respect to ancestors (Pitri Yajna).
By the worship of God, inner peace and joy are experienced. God nourishes us and sustains our lives; He (God) provides air to breathe. Therefore, worship is done unto Him through the expression of devotion, reverence and love. Worship purifies the heart, generates harmonious vibrations, steadies the mind, ennobles the emotions, and ultimately leads to union with Him (God). Indeed, worship to God satisfies the spiritual thirsting to hold conscious communion with Him.

The adoration to sages is deemed important to every Hindu. By all means a Hindu is taught to have great gratitude towards the Seers of Truth, for they are the ones that have preserved and made available the sublime utterances of the Supreme (God), obtained through their (Sages) realization, referred to as the scriptures. Scriptures are the guide for life. “One, who acts under the influence of his or her desires (ego), disobeying scriptural injunctions, neither attains perfection nor happiness, nor the supreme abode. Therefore, let the scriptures be your authority in determining what should be done and what should not be done. You should perform your duty following the scriptural injunction.” (Bhagavad Geeta: 16:23-24) Hence for the work of Sages, Hindus are always grateful, so adoration to the sages forms a daily duty of Hindus.

Coming third is reflection on ancestors, where again a Hindu expresses total gratitude to his/her ancestors. The Upanishad says: “Do not neglect the rites due to the ancestors.” Prayers are made on their (ancestors) behalf, while libations in most cases are offered; charity is given and the poor are fed.
Our ancestors have shaped our lives. They have been the roots of our upbringing. They have instilled in us, profound values; proper attitudes; and moral conduct. Our ancestors have taught the purpose of various rare qualities: perseverance, determination, contentment, hard work, righteousness, truth, selfless service to humanity, unity and brotherhood. For these reasons and more, this special time of reflection, Pitri Paksha is observed. Hindus can never neglect nor be ungrateful to ancestors for the roles they have played and contributions given towards our upbringing.  Pitri Paksha also reminds us of the significance of our parents who are alive.
On the foregoing therefore, what is vital and worth noting, is that as Pitri Paksha is observed, Hindus should ponder more on not only the externalities,and rituals, but on the path walked by our ancestors—the path of integrity and sincerity.