Every year, we observe Pitru Paksha to honour our ancestors and pray for their peaceful afterlife.  This year it commences on 7 September. On this auspicious occasion, crores of people pay tribute, perform kind acts to express gratitude to ancestors for their contributions in their lives.   

Pitru Paksha – Origin and its Significance 

The significance of Pitru Paksha has its roots in ancient times. One of the renowned references can be found in the story of Karna in the Mahabharata. After his death in the battle of Kurukshetra, he went to heaven. His soul was hungry and when he asked for food, he was only offered gold and jewels. When Karna asked the reason behind this, Yama, the God of death, informed him that while he has given a lot of gold and wealth to poor people, he had never offered Tarpan to his ancestors.  

Lord Yama told him that one can only receive what he has given to others or what their descendants offered in their name. Since he lost all his sons in the war, there was no one to perform these rites for him. Karna asked Lord Yama to allow him to go back to Earth to perform his duties to his ancestors. Yama granted him 15 days on Earth to offer food and water to his ancestors. This period is known as Pitru Paksha.  

Rituals and Ancestors’ Blessings 

Pitru Paksha culminates with Mahalaya Amavasya. On this day, people perform Shradh Puja to bring peace to the departed souls.  The key rituals include:  

• Tarpan – An offering of water mixed with sesame, barley and darbha grass, which is believed to quench the thirst of the ancestors.  

• Pind Daan – A ball made of cooked rice or barley with sesame seeds, honey and ghee. The word Pind means body and Daan means charity. The Pind symbolises the physical form of the deceased. 

Through Shradh Puja, families perform these rituals to honour ancestors and to aid their journey toward peace. The rituals usually conclude with acts of charity, showing gratitude towards ancestors. One way to do this is by feeding those in need. 

Feed Children. Support Akshaya Patra 

Feeding others is the biggest tribute you can give to your ancestors. This Pitru Paksha, you can honour your ancestors by supporting Akshaya Patra’s efforts to serve mid-day meals to 2.33 million children across India. With a network of kitchens in 78 locations across 16 states and 3 UTs, we nourish both children and their dreams. 

By making a Pitru Paksha donation, you can 

• Meet their nutritional needs 

• Keep children in schools 

• Improve their concentration 

• Empower children from marginalised communities 

When you feed children, you are not only pleasing the past generation with your generosity but also building a better future.  

Your Pitru Paksha Donation can Make an Impact 

Nourish a child in honour. As you offer Tarpan, secure a child’s future with the promise of mid-day meals. On this day, let’s bond together for a cause whose impact lasts for a lifetime.  

Support our vision – No child in India shall be deprived of education because of hunger.  

₹1,500 feeds a child for an academic year 

DONATE NOW 

Every child deserves to go to school, for school is the best environment to nurture their talents. It is not just a place of learning but a gateway to a world full of opportunities and a better future. However, even today, there are children who are unable to go to school due to their socio-economic circumstances. Is it okay to let them live deprived of their rights? Never!

The Government of India’s PM POSHAN is an initiative to protect every child’s right to nutrition and education. The assurance of mid-day meals acts as an incentive for parents to send their children to school as providing at least one meal a day for their children can be challenging. The programme has shown a drastic improvement in enrolment, attendance and retention, as well as the academic performance of children. So, it is crucial to continue this programme to make a meaningful impact.

Akshaya Patra is committed to continuing making an impact on children’s lives by ensuring their access to mid-day meals. As an implementing partner of the Government of India and state governments, we are currently feeding 2.25 million children in 16 states and 3 UTs through our network of kitchens spread across 78 locations.

Read the Real stories! Your impact!

For 10-year-old Ujjal Das from Amingaon, Guwahati, cricket is more than a sport—it’s his dream. Inspired by MS Dhoni, he aspires to play for Chennai Super Kings franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL) one day. “I’ve scored 50 runs in a game, crossed 100 in test matches and taken four wickets in an over!” he shares with excitement.

Living in a joint family with his parents, grandparents, and younger sister, Ujjal balances his studies and cricket with a disciplined routine. Mornings start with feeding the ducks at home, and evenings are spent playing cricket with his friends. “I also love football, and Messi is my favorite player,” he adds.

The nutritious mid-day meals from Akshaya Patra play a crucial role in his journey. “The food is really good! My favourite meal is pulao,” he says. These meals ensure that children like Ujjal stay healthy, focused and ready to chase their dreams.

Keerthana, a 6th-grade student at GHPS Maidens Block, Mysuru, has a heart full of compassion and a dream to heal. “I want to become a paediatrician because I was often sick as a child, and the doctors who treated me inspired me,” she says. Her love for science and biology drives her ambition.

Keerthana’s father works as a mason and her mother as a housemaid. Despite their demanding jobs, they support her and her elder brother, ensuring they get a good education. Mornings at her home are often rushed and therefore, she often skips her breakfast. But she doesn’t have to worry because Akshaya Patra’s nutritious school meals keep her energised. “Bisibelebath is my absolute favourite!” she says excitedly.

With the support of her family and teachers and the nourishment provided by Akshaya Patra, Keerthana is on the path to making a difference—one child at a time.

Niyanshi, a bright Class VII student from Surat, Gujarat, aspires to become an IAS Officer and create meaningful change. Despite her young age, Niyanshi is driven by purpose. “I want to become an IAS Officer,” she proudly says, “to do something for my community and country.”

Her first goal? Transforming a small Gujarati-medium school in her area into an English-medium institution with better infrastructure, ensuring every child has access to quality education.

Niyanshi’s story is one of resilience, ambition and the power of opportunity. With her unwavering determination and the support she receives—including the nourishing meals made possible by you—she is moving closer to her dream.

In Bhubaneswar, 11-year-old Ravi Teja excels in academics, especially mathematics. Despite the hardships, he remains steadfast in his pursuit of a better future. He dreams of becoming a mathematics teacher. “Numbers excite me,” he says with a spark in his eyes. “I want to make learning fun for others, just like my teacher does for me.”

With his mother, C. Pushpa, working tirelessly as a housemaid to support the family, Ravi understands the value of responsibility. From fetching groceries to preparing a simple meal, he does his part to ease her burden. His ambition lies beyond these daily struggles.

A crucial support in Ravi’s journey is the mid-day meal. This nutritious meal ensures he stays focused in class, giving him the energy to chase his dream. “The food is really good. My favourite is paneer with rice,” he shares with a grin. For his mother, the meal is a reassurance that her son gets at least one wholesome dish daily.

In the small village of Gadwada, 12-year-old Radhika dreams of becoming a doctor. “There’s no proper hospital in our village. If someone falls sick, they have to travel far for treatment,” she says. “I want to change that.” Her fascination with medicine started at a young age, watching family and neighbours struggle due to a lack of healthcare. She studies diligently, eager to build a hospital one day where no one has to wait for help.

At home, she sees her parents working hard; her father at a food stall and her mother tending to the farm. She knows their struggles but refuses to let them deter her dreams. “If I study well, I can make my dream come true,” she says.

A highlight of her school day is lunchtime. “Khichdi is my favourite,” she says. “It keeps me full and gives me energy to study.” With every meal and every lesson, Radhika moves closer to her goal. One day, she will return to her village—not as a student, but as a doctor, ready to serve her community.

Help us continue nourishing the dreams of 2.25 million children like Ujjal, Keerthana, Niyanshi, Ravi Teja and Radhika. Together, let’s ensure that every child gets opportunities to learn and thrive.