As the month of Bhadrapada approaches, Hindus around the world prepare to observe Pitru Paksha, a revered period dedicated to honoring and remembering ancestors. Starting on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, this 16-lunar day phase is a profound time for offering gratitude and seeking blessings from those who came before us.

The Significance of Pitru Paksha

Pitru Paksha, also known as Shradh, is a time when Hindus perform rites and offer prayers for their deceased ancestors. This ancient tradition, deeply rooted in Hindu culture, is prominently featured in epic tales like the Ramayana and Mahabharata. It is believed that performing these rituals brings peace to the souls of ancestors and invites their blessings upon the family.

During this period, families conduct Shradh and Tarpan ceremonies, where offerings of food and prayers are made to ensure the contentment of the departed souls. It is a heartfelt act of devotion that strengthens the spiritual bond between the living and the deceased.

The Tradition of Donating Sesame Seeds

One of the most significant practices during Pitru Paksha is the donation of sesame seeds, or til. This tradition is not just a symbolic gesture but is believed to carry deep spiritual significance. According to Bhopal resident and astrologer Pandit Yogesh Choure, donating sesame seeds during this period holds numerous benefits.

Why Sesame Seeds?

Sesame seeds are highly revered in Hindu rituals for their purifying and auspicious properties. They are considered to be a powerful medium for transmitting positive energies to the ancestors. Here’s why sesame seeds are so significant during Pitru Paksha:

• Symbol of Purity: Sesame seeds are associated with purity and are believed to cleanse the soul of negative energies. By donating sesame seeds, devotees are said to ensure that their ancestors’ souls receive the highest blessings and purification.
• Spiritual Offering: The act of giving sesame seeds is thought to enhance the spiritual connection between the living and the deceased. It symbolizes respect and love for ancestors, ensuring their happiness in the afterlife.
• Blessings and Prosperity: It is believed that by donating sesame seeds, families can receive the blessings of their ancestors, which in turn brings prosperity, health, and happiness to their lives. The act of giving is seen as a way to invite positive influences into one’s life.
• Fulfilling Vows: Many families also donate sesame seeds to fulfill vows or promises made to ancestors, ensuring that their wishes and prayers are honored.

How to Observe This Tradition

To properly observe the tradition of sesame seed donation during Pitru Paksha, consider the following steps:

• Offer Sesame Seeds at Sacred Places: Donate sesame seeds at temples or holy places where the offerings are made with reverence.
• Include Sesame Seeds in Food Offerings: Incorporate sesame seeds into the food offerings made during Shradh ceremonies.
• Distribute to the Needy: Sharing sesame seeds with those in need is also considered a meritorious act.

As Pitru Paksha 2024 unfolds, let us embrace this time with devotion and gratitude. By participating in the sacred tradition of donating sesame seeds, we honor our ancestors and invite their blessings into our lives, ensuring a spiritually fulfilling observance of this auspicious period.