Key Takeaways:
- Pitri Paksha (Sohra Shraddha) begins today with the observance of Pratipada Shraddha
- The 16-day period is dedicated to offering water, food and pindas to deceased ancestors
- Religious scholars say Shraddha rituals should generally be performed in the afternoon on the corresponding lunar date
- This year's Pitri Paksha and Dashain have been delayed due to an extra lunar month in Jestha
The 16-day Pitri Paksha, also known as Sohra Shraddha, began today with the commencement of rituals dedicated to honouring deceased ancestors.
According to calendars approved by the Nepal Panchanga Nirnayak Development Committee, the Pratipada Shraddha is being observed today. Religious scholar and former committee member Prof Dr Devmani Bhattarai said the pindadan ritual for Pratipada Shraddha should be performed after noon.
The period from Ashwin Krishna Pratipada to Ashwin Shukla Pratipada comprises 16 lunar days during which devotees offer water, food and pindas in memory of their ancestors. The period is also known as Pitri Paksha, Apar Paksha or Preta Paksha.
According to Hindu tradition, these rituals are performed before major festivals, religious functions and other auspicious occasions. It is widely believed that performing Shraddha fulfills one's duty towards ancestors and helps repay ancestral obligations.
Former committee chairperson Prof Dr Ramchandra Gautam said Shraddha should generally be observed in the afternoon on the lunar date corresponding to the deceased person's death. Exceptions may apply in cases involving birth or death impurity and certain ritual restrictions within the family.
Religious scholars note that Hindu scriptures provide alternative dates for those unable to perform the rituals on the prescribed day. Missed Shraddha rites may be conducted between Ashwin Krishna Aunsi and Ashwin Shukla Panchami, and on other prescribed dates under specific circumstances.
Prof Bhattarai also cautioned against conducting Shraddha rituals in the morning solely for convenience, stating that traditional scriptures prescribe afternoon observance.
The completion of Pitri Paksha will be followed by Navaratri and the Dashain festival, Nepal's biggest Hindu celebration. Religious scholars noted that this year's observance schedule has shifted later than usual because of the occurrence of an extra lunar month in Jestha.
