Krishna Paksha is the dark half or waning phase of the Hindu lunar month, spanning 15 tithis from Purnima (full moon) to Amavasya (new moon). The word "Krishna" here means dark. While often considered less auspicious for worldly beginnings, Krishna Paksha is highly valued for spiritual practices, meditation, introspection, ancestor worship (Pitru Tarpan), and completing ongoing projects. Important observances during Krishna Paksha include Ekadashi fasting, Maha Shivaratri (Phalguna Krishna Chaturdashi), Krishna Janmashtami (Shravana Krishna Ashtami), and the entire Pitru Paksha (Bhadrapada Krishna Paksha) dedicated to ancestors.