It’s Pitru Paksha: Here’s 4 Ways You Can Honour Your Ancestors Starting Today

Today marks the beginning of Pitru Paksha – the annual 16-day lunar period (from full moon to new moon – Sept. 17 – Oct. 2) in the Vedic/Yogic tradition, when we pay homage to our ancestors.

We express our heartfelt gratitude to all the previous generations of those who have contributed to our life – to who and what we are today. We express our heartfelt gratitude to all the previous generations of those who have contributed to our life – to who and what we are today.

For those who feel disconnected from their ancestors or don’t know much about them, this is also an opportunity to begin forming a connection. It’s a powerful time to listen carefully for wisdom and guidance from the spirit world.

Consider communing with your ancestors so they can support you on your path, and you can support them by bringing peace and healing to your lines through steady practice and devotion. 

HERE ARE 4 WAYS YOU CAN HONOUR YOUR ANCESTORS STARTING TODAY, AND FOR THE NEXT 16 DAYS

Create a simple altar dedicated to your ancestors. Connect with your ancestors each morning when you wake up, and make offerings at your ancestral altar. You can share prayers and intentions, and offerings can include lighting a candle and incense, ringing a bell/chime/singing bowl, offering flowers, sweets and/or fruits. Some offerings from the earth could be nice too. Or whatever else resonates for you and your ancestors. (Learn more about building ancestral altars here.)

Chant the yogic healing mantra (Mahamrityunjaya Mantra) each morning at your altar or somewhere outside that is special to you. 

Prepare your ancestor’s favourite meal on the first and last day of this 16-day lunar period. Leave it out in the garden with a prayer to your ancestors. The birds will come and enjoy the meal, taking your prayers up to your ancestors. 

Carry out a daily ritual that you have learned; or resonates with you deeply from your lineage, practice, training, etc. (You can also choose from some of these ancestral rituals.)

Note: Sunrise or sunset are optimal times to carry out the above.

May connecting to your ancestors during this deeply auspicious time bring you peace, healing, blessings, and protection! May it bring you closer to your ancestral strength! Your ancestors are ready to speak with you. All you have to do is create the space and take the time to connect and listen.