Legend : According to Mahabharat ; when Maharathi Karna attained heaven ; he got gold as food.
He was told by Indra that all his life ; he had only donated Gold and other priceless valuables.
But, he did not feed a hungry soul or offer prayers to his ancestors.
Forgiveness : Karna told Indra that being raised as an orphan ; he did not known about his ancestors.
He revealed ; he only learnt about his true parents during Mahabharat.
Prayers : Indra and other deities accepted his view and allowed him to perform prayers to his ancestors.
He was granted 16 more days in earth to perform prayers for his ancestors.
For 16 days ; he sought forgiveness from his ancestors for committing any sin against them.
Gratitude : Karna kept on donating food to his ancestors ; priests ; sages and hungry souls.
He thanked them for being part of human journey.
Facts : Ever since; Hindus observe Pitru Paksha.
It is meant to show gratitude to ancestors for being originators of specific human journey.
It also a way to thank almighty ; mother nature and fellow human beings for many blessings.
For 16 long days ; Hindus are expected to serve downtrodden and stick to inner and outer purity.
Many also serve cows ; sages ; elders and downtrodden as a mark of respect to elders.
Prayer : Sri Ganeshaya Namah Sri Pitru Devaya Namah Jai Sri Sita Ram Narayan Namo Parvatipataye Har Har Mahadev Shambo
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