Photos: Mahalaya marks the end of Pitri Paksh; visuals from Kolkata
Updated On Sep 20, 2017 09:55 AM IST
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Updated on Sep 20, 2017 09:55 AM IST
As per Hindu tradition, Mahalaya marks the end of Pitri-paksh and start of Devi-paksha- also the first day of Navaratri. Descendants of the deceased pray to Goddess Durga in the name of their ancestors. The offering is known as ‘Tarpan,’ which people here are seen making to their ancestors on the bank of the river Hooghly at Jagannath Ghat in Kolkata.- (Samir Jana/HT PHOTO)
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Updated on Sep 20, 2017 09:55 AM IST
‘Tarpan’ is a ritual practiced by men, who have lost their father and wish to make an offering to their departed ancestors. This is usually done on the first anniversary of their death. It is believed that the ancestors await their ‘Tarpan’ and do not return to their places of rest happy if they are not remembered. (Samir Jana/HT PHOTO)
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Updated on Sep 20, 2017 09:55 AM IST
There are various postures that accompany the practice of ‘Tarpan,’ namely for the Devas (Gods), Rishis (Sages) and Pitrus (ancestors). For the departed ancestors, the offering is made to flow over the right side of the right palm and the thumb of the right hand. (Samir Jana/HT PHOTO)
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Updated on Sep 20, 2017 09:55 AM IST
A man gets his head shaved in order as part of a Hindu ritual, which demands this of men who lose their fathers. The performance of ‘Shraadh’ by a son during Pitru Paksh is compulsory in Hinduism in order to make sure that the soul of the ancestor finds peace in heaven. (Samir Jana/HT PHOTO)
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Updated on Sep 20, 2017 09:55 AM IST
52 year old Hari Chettry, employee of a construction company offered ‘Tarpan’ and prayed to Goddess Durga for his late parents. His two and a half feet long beard nearly stole the show on the banks of the river Hooghly, Jagannath Ghat in Kolkata. (Samir Jana/HT PHOTO)
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Updated on Sep 20, 2017 09:55 AM IST
Men offer food and water to their departed ancestors on the banks of the river Hooghly at Jagannath Ghat in Kolkata. (Samir Jana/HT PHOTO)
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Updated on Sep 20, 2017 09:55 AM IST