Kolkata/Allahabad, Sept 18 Scores of people gathered in Kolkata and Allahabad on Friday to take a holy dip, or 'Tarpan', in the Ganges, on the last day of the 'Pitrapaksha Mela'.

The 'Pitrapaksha Mela' is held annually in September. Hindus pray for the salvation of their ancestors on the ocassion.

The ritual is traced to King Bhagirath, who propitiated the River Ganges to come down to earth so that his ancestors could be relieved from the cycle of birth and death.

Hindus follow this mythological practice for the salvation of their ancestors.

"This day is dedicated to our ancestors. After prayers, the mother figure is summoned. So today, we take a dip in the Ganges and pray for our ancestors,' said Sudarshan Pathak, a priest.

The devout also tonsure their heads as a part of the ritual. It is believed to relieve their ancestors of all sins and to help their souls attain peace.

Rituals are performed usually up to three preceding generations.

It is after the Pitrapaksha period ends, that all auspicious events like weddings are held in Hindu families.

During the 15-day religious ritual called 'Shradh Paksha' many Hindus perform 'Pind Daan' or 'Shradh'. (ANI)