What is Pitru Paksha and how did it delay IPL player trades. Pitru Paksha, meaning 'fortnight of ancestors', is a 16-day Hindu observance during which families honour deceased relatives through Shraddha rituals, including offerings of food and water. Beginning with the waning moon in Ashwin, the period is considered inauspicious for major new ventures. Some IPL franchises delayed finalising player trades until the observance ended on October 10.