Hindu devotees in Allahabad take holy dip in Ganges for salvation of ancestors' souls

Devout Hindus took a dip in the holy river Ganges here on Tuesday marking the start of Pitra Paksha, an annual fortnight-long ritual for the salvation of the souls of ancestors.

Traditionally, guided by priests, the eldest son or member of a family performs the ritual of offering food to ancestors on the banks of river Ganges or in temples located in the city.

As per the Hindu lunar almanac, Pitra Paksha usually falls in the month of September or October.

As part of the ritual, the priests narrate the relevance of offering the 'Pind Daan,' saying it is dedicated to ancestors.

"The family is blessed and happy during Pitra Paksha. According to the scriptures, the souls of those ancestors who have not yet achieved salvation, gain peace." said a priest, Atul Kumar Tewari.

Devotees believe that once the ritual is performed, the souls of their ancestors shall be absolved of all their sins and they would be freed from the cycle of rebirths.

Certain devotees even get their heads tonsured on the occasion as a mark of respect for the departed souls.

The food is usually cooked in silver or copper vessels and placed on banana leaves.

The offerings are also believed to cure diseases as well as infertility, apart from driving away evil souls.

During Pitra Paksh, Hindus do not organise any auspicious event, like weddings or inking of business deals nor buy new clothes or new products.

According to Hindu faith, it is believed that when humans die, their mortal body turns to dust whereas the soul remains, until it finds another mortal body to reside.

The cycle of rebirth can cease and the soul can receive salvation, if these sacred rituals are performed, the Hindus contend.