Pitru Paksha Tarpan is a Hindu ritual performed during the Pitru Paksha period, which is a 16-day period of the lunar month of Ashwin (September-October) when Hindus pay homage to their ancestors or forefathers. The word 'Tarpan' means offering or homage.

During Pitru Paksha Tarpan, family members offer water and other offerings to their ancestors while chanting Vedic mantras and performing specific rituals. The offerings made during the ceremony are believed to help the departed souls attain peace and liberation.

Pitru Paksha Tarpan is an important ritual in Hindu tradition, and it is believed that performing the ceremony with devotion and sincerity can help the departed soul attain moksha or liberation from the cycle of birth and death. It is also a way for the family members to express their love, respect, and gratitude towards their ancestors.

It is important to note that the Pitru Paksha Tarpan ceremony may vary in different regions and communities, and there may be some specific customs and traditions followed during the ceremony. The ceremony should be performed with respect and devotion to ensure the well-being and peace of the departed souls. It is typically performed under the guidance of a priest or a qualified person who has experience in performing such rituals.