Shraddha on 6th tithi of Pitrupaksha; for ancestors who died on Shashthi

Shashthi Shraddha is the ancestral rite of Pitrupaksha performed on the Shashthi tithi, the sixth lunar day of the dark fortnight of Ashwin, for those forebears who departed on a Shashthi of any month. In the Shraddha tradition each tithi of the fortnight is reserved for the ancestors who passed on that lunar day, because the tithi of death — not the calendar date — is the doorway through which the departed receive their offering. On this day the karta bathes, takes the sankalp with the sacred thread worn to the right, and during the aparahna offers tarpan of water and black sesame, pinda of cooked rice, and a satvik meal to brahmins, setting aside the shares of the cow, crow, dog and fire. The Garuda Purana holds that ancestors satisfied during Pitrupaksha bless their descendants with long life, health, children, wealth and success. The day is kept simply and with reverence, free of celebration and new undertakings, so that the whole household's attention rests on remembrance and gratitude.

The karta observes satvik purity; food is eaten only after it has been offered to the ancestors and brahmins.