also update their genealogy registers maintained by pandas. Hindu genealogy registers at Chintpurni, Himachal Pradesh Hindu genealogy registers at Haridwar Hindu genealogy registers at Jawalamukhi,Himachal Pradesh Hindu genealogy registers at Kurukshetra, Haryana Hindu genealogy registers at Peohwa, Haryana Hindu genealogy registers at Trimbakeshwar, Maharashtra Hindu genealogy registers at Varanasi Ancestor worship Pitrs – the ancestors The Pitrs (the fathers) are the spirits of the departed ancestors in Hindu culture, who are usually remembered annually and venerated. Jathera, Dhok or Samadhi- the ancestor's shrines Jathera or Dhok, from jayestha (elder) and dahak (dahak the sacred fire), are samadhi (shrines) dedicated to the worship of ancestors. Śrāddha – annual homage to dead ancestors Śrāddha ritual is performed to pay homage to one's 'ancestors' (Sanskrit: Pitṛs), especially to one's dead parents, to express heartfelt gratitude and thanks towards their parents and ancestors, for having helped them to be what they are and praying for their peace. It performed as a "day of remembrance" for both the father and mother separately, on their respective 'thithi' – death anniversaries as per the Hindu Calendar. Additionally, it is performed for the entire community of 'pitr' – both from paternal and maternal side – collectively during the Pitru Paksha or Shraaddha paksha (Fortnight of ancestors), right before Sharad Navaratri in autumn. Pitru Paksha – sacred fortnight for annual ancestral worship Pitru Paksha is a 16–lunar day period in Hindu calendar when Hindus pay homage to their ancestor (Pitrs), especially through food offerings. See also Hindu pilgrimage sites Sanskara (rite of passage) Yatra References Hindu rituals related to death