When Is Pitru Diwali? How to Perform Deep Daan and Why It Is Believed to Please Ancestors
Pitru Diwali is observed on Trayodashi Tithi of the Krishna Paksha in the Hindu month of Ashwin, during Pitru Paksha. According to Hindu beliefs, Yamraj sends all the ancestors (Pitrus) to the earthly realm on Ashwin Krishna Trayodashi.
It is believed that ancestors generally visit the earthly realm from Pitru Lok to accept food offered by their families on their respective Shraddha Tithi. However, on Pitru Diwali, all ancestors are believed to return to Earth and visit their families together to receive offerings.
What Should You Do on Pitru Diwali?
On this day, Maha Deep Daan is performed at the Vishnupad Temple in Gaya and Dev Ghat along the Falgu River. A large number of devotees also light lamps at the Suryakund of the ancient Dakshinarak Surya Temple, located near the Vishnupad Temple.
Devotees light anywhere from 108 to 1,000 diyas, depending on their faith and ability. In the evening, some devotees also perform fireworks as a gesture of devotion and respect towards their ancestors.
According to traditional belief, performing Deep Daan on Pitru Diwali illuminates the path for ancestors to reach the heavenly realm and is believed to help them attain Moksha.
How Can Kheer Offerings Please the Ancestors?
On this occasion, Chhappan Bhog (56 food offerings) are offered inside the sanctum of the Vishnupad Temple in Gaya, at the spot where Lord Vishnu’s footprints are believed to be imprinted on the hill.
In Gaya, Lord Vishnu is revered as the giver of salvation, and therefore, offerings made to him are traditionally believed to provide satisfaction to the ancestors.
Among the offerings, kheer is considered particularly important. According to the belief, ancestors are distressed by hunger and thirst on this day and long for kheer from their family members.
The tradition of feeding kheer to Brahmins is followed with the belief that it satisfies the ancestors and helps them attain salvation. It is also believed that offering kheer on this day makes the Pitrus especially pleased. ALSO READ: Can Women Perform Shradh? Know What Hindu Scriptures Say
How to Light the Diya and What Is Its Significance?
Those who cannot travel to Gaya can also perform Deep Daan at home. According to the tradition, a four-faced earthen diya can be placed in the south direction and filled with mustard or sesame oil. Black sesame seeds and two cloves are then added before lighting the lamp.
The devotee can hold a little water and black sesame seeds in their hands, remember their ancestors and say:
“May this light illuminate the path of our ancestors. May they return to their realm happily and peacefully.”
After saying this, the water can be released onto the ground.
According to another belief, some people also light lamps on Amavasya during the month of Ashwin to help illuminate the path of their ancestors towards Pitru Lok. Similarly, some families light Akash Deep on the Diwali Amavasya Tithi, believing that the lamp guides and illuminates the path of the ancestors.
Disclaimer: The content provided here is based on beliefs and information only. Always consult a concerned expert.
