Tarpan

Tarpan Photowalk

Kolkata   Mumbai

Pitru Paksha is observed by Hindus by remembering their ancestors. It is when the deceased visit the earth and bless their kin with prosperity. The kin offer food, money, and other gifts to their ‘Pitras’ as a sign of reverence. Shradh is also an important part of Pitra Paksha. Shradh denotes all the offerings that are made by the kin to their ancestors in these sixteen days. According to the scriptures, it is believed that those who have died come to earth in their subtle form and accept the offering of their kin.

As per Bengali beliefs, celebrations for Durga Puja begin with Mahalaya. It is the day when Goddess Durga descends on Earth. Another ritual that goes to mark the short life of humans on earth, called Tarpan, is also observed on this day. Tarpan comes from the word ‘Trup’ which means satisfying or pleasing…