In the dark (waning) half of the lunar month of Ashvin, a fortnight (paksha) is devoted to the worship of ancestor spirits (pitr).
This is the time of year when Hindus commemorate their
ancestors and make sacrifices to them: water and rice-balls (pinda) on each of
the fortnight's days, as well as particular observances on the fortnight's day
coinciding to the ancestor's death.
These sacrifices are thought to keep the deceased alive by
symbolically feeding them, as well as to appease the dead by demonstrating that
the living remember and care for them.
This fortnight is often regarded unlucky because of its deep
link to the deceased, and people frequently curtail their daily activities in
symbolic awareness of it.
During this period, many individuals will not cut their
hair, beards, or nails, nor will they wear new clothing.
These precautions derive from the belief that changing one's
look during an unlucky period will have negative consequences in the future
since the taint will be carried forward.
Many individuals also limit their typical activities at this
period, such as purchasing items or starting new projects, unless they are
really required.
It is also considered a favorable time for religious
observances, especially the offering of gifts (dana) to brahmins.
On the one hand, this is a method to honor the ancestors,
who are represented by the brahmins, and hence whatever is given to the
brahmins is symbolically given to the ancestors.
Giving such presents, on the other hand, is a ceremony of protection
against disaster at an unlucky season, since the recipient is supposed to take
the ill luck with the gift.
