Pitri Paksh is being observed throughout the Hindu diaspora that concludes on October 10. Pitri Paksh is a religious service in which descendants pay tribute to their deceased ancestors. It is a sacred period (of two weeks) in the Hindu calendar dedicated to remembering and honoring ancestors. It is a time when people express gratitude to their departed family members and pray for their peace and well-being. Several mandirs in USA and throughout the Caribbean host discourses (katha and puja) on the festival. This writer observed Pitri Paksh at Shri Tulsi Mandir on 111 Street, off Liberty Avenue in the heart of Little Guyana that is hosting nightly tribute to the ancestors; Guyanese Pandit Lakhram leads devotees in service. This writer also observed Pitri service at Trinidadian led Sudama Mandir on 115 Street off 103rd Ave in Little Trinidad, Richmond Hill, Queens, NY on Oct 2, the birthday of Gandhiji; Trini Pandit Bhisham Persad officiates three nights service (Oct 2 thru 4), giving a brilliant explanation of the soul and why pitri puja is performed. He is also a good bhajan singer.
Observing Pitri Paksh at a mandir is a deeply meaningful and emotional experience because it combines prayer, devotion, remembrance, tribute, and community as they memorialize the deceased and petitions the lord to grant mercy to the departed as well the living.
During Pitri Paksh, Hindus offer water with black til at sunrise to the God of Death Jamraj for the souls of the deceased. At the mandir, devotees partake in community worshipping. They bring flowers, fruits and other offerings. They offer prayers for their ancestors and seek their blessings. Many people also participate in special pujas, recite prayers, and perform rituals such as tarpan or shraddha according to their family traditions. The peaceful atmosphere of the mandir helps devotees reflect on the sacrifices and contributions of their parents, grandparents, other ancestors and siblings.
One of the most important aspects of Pitri Paksh is gratitude. The ancestors gave inheritance or wealth to descendants and family traditions, values, life lessons that continue to guide them. Visiting the mandir during this period reminds observants and Hindus in general that they are connected to those who came before. It also encourages people to appreciate our parents, grandparents, and other family members while they are still with us.
At Sudama mandir, there was bhajan and kirtan singing and beautiful rendition of traditional Indian music. Aartee was performed. A lovely take away box dinner and prasad were served.
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