Pitradura is a Hindu ritual or ceremony performed to honor and pay homage to one's ancestors. It is a significant part of Hindu culture and is believed to bring blessings, prosperity, and peace to the family.

The term "Pitradura" is derived from two Sanskrit words - "Pitri" meaning ancestors and "Dura" meaning distant. Therefore, Pitradura can be understood as an act of offering prayers and performing rituals for the welfare and spiritual upliftment of departed souls.

Pitradura is usually performed on important days such as the annual death anniversary of the ancestors or during specific Hindu festivals like Pitru Paksha. During this ritual, family members gather together and perform various ceremonies to express their gratitude and seek blessings from their ancestors.

Below are some key aspects and rituals associated with Pitradura:

1. Tarpana: Tarpana is the act of offering water to the ancestors. It involves pouring water from a sacred vessel (usually a copper or silver container) while reciting specific mantras. The water is believed to reach the souls of the departed and nourish them in the afterlife.

2. Pinda Daan: Pinda Daan is the offering of rice balls to the ancestors. These rice balls are prepared with specific rituals and prayers. It is believed that by offering Pinda, the souls of the ancestors receive spiritual nourishment and find peace.

3. Shraddha: Shraddha is a comprehensive ceremony performed during Pitradura. It involves the preparation of a special meal called "Shraddha Bhojan" which includes various vegetarian dishes. The meal is then offered to the ancestors, and family members partake in the food as a symbolic communion with the departed souls.

4. Homam: In some cases, a Homam or a fire ritual is also performed as part of Pitradura. This involves the offering of sacred herbs, ghee, and other materials into a consecrated fire while chanting Vedic mantras. The fire is considered a medium through which the offerings reach the ancestors.

Pitradura holds great significance in Hinduism as it emphasizes the importance of maintaining a connection with one's ancestors. It is believed that by honoring and remembering them, their blessings and guidance can be obtained. This ritual also helps in strengthening family bonds and fostering a sense of gratitude towards previous generations.

Overall, Pitradura is a deeply rooted tradition in Hindu culture and serves as a way to show respect, gratitude, and love towards one's ancestors. It is a ritual that brings families together and reinforces the belief in the continuity of life beyond death.

Pietra dura, (Italian: “hard stone”), in mosaic, any of several kinds of hard stone used in commesso mosaic work, an art that flourished in Florence particularly in the late 16th and 17th centuries and involved the fashioning of highly illusionistic pictures out of cut-to-shape pieces of coloured stone