Fifteen dark-fortnight days for tarpana and shraddha to ancestors.
Sacred month
Ashvina
September – October
In depth
Ashvina pivots from Pitru Paksha remembrance to Sharad Navratri’s blaze of Shakti, then Vijayadashami’s triumph. It teaches that reverence for ancestors and courage of the Goddess complete each other.
Transitions from ancestor reverence during Pitru Paksha to the grand celebration of divine feminine power (Shakti) and victory of good over evil.
Associated deities
Key days & festivals
Nine nights worshipping Navadurga—from Pratipada to Navami.
Victory of Durga over Mahishasura and Rama over Ravana—dharma restored.
Moon of rasa and Kojagari—Lakshmi’s watchful grace.
Suggested practices
- Offer tarpana and shraddha with sincerity during Pitru Paksha
- Observe Navratri with fasting, kanya puja, and Devi stotras
- Burn symbolic ego on Dussehra—plant a virtue in its place
- On Sharad Poornima, offer milk sweets and moonlit gratitude