Pitru Paksha, also known as Pitri Paksha or Pitar Pak, is a 16-day period in the Hindu calendar when Hindus pay homage to their ancestors (Pitrs), especially through food offerings. The period is considered inauspicious due to the death rites performed during the ceremony, known as Shraddha or Tarpana. Pitru Paksha is observed during the second paksha (fortnight) of the Hindu lunar month of Bhadrapada (September) in southern and western India, and it follows the fortnight immediately after Ganesh Utsav. The period begins on the Pratipada (first day of the fortnight) and ends with the no moon day known as Sarvapitri Amavasya, Pitri Amavasya, Peddala Amavasya, or Mahalaya Amavasya.

During Pitru Paksha, Hindus offer prayers, food, and water to their ancestors, who are believed to wander in a realm between heaven and earth called Pitru Lok. The prayers and ritual offerings during Pitru Paksha free the souls and help them transition towards Brahmaloka or heaven. Auspicious rituals such as Shradh, Pind Daan, and Tarpan are performed during this time of the year.

Dos and donts to follow during Pitru Paksha include performing Tarpan by the eldest son of the deceased person, offering Pind Daan comprising of rice and sesame seeds to crows, feeding the poor and the needy, and feeding animals during this auspicious time of the year. It is considered an unfavorable time to start a new venture, get married, buy a house or a car. Pitru Paksha is also the time a Hindu can wash off the sins inherited from their ancestors by performing the rituals and making offerings.