Pitru Paksha: Why families perform Pind Daan for ancestors. During Pitru Paksha, families perform Pind Daan to honour departed ancestors and seek their blessings. The ritual involves offering pindas, traditionally made from cooked rice, barley, sesame seeds and ghee. According to Hindu beliefs, the ceremony can help bring peace to departed souls and fulfil descendants' duties. Gaya's Vishnupad Temple and Phalgu River are prominent pilgrimage sites.