Pitru Paksha, also known as Shraddha Paksha, is a sacred 16-day period in the Hindu lunar calendar dedicated to remembering, honoring, and expressing gratitude toward one’s ancestors. Falling usually between September and October, this fortnight is believed to be the time when the souls of departed forefathers descend to the earthly realm and accept the love and offerings from their descendants.
Spiritual
Significance
According to
Hindu philosophy, the ancestors’ souls remain in a transitional state until
rituals called Shraddha are performed by their progeny. These rites help the
departed attain peace, liberation (moksha), and eternal rest beyond the cycle
of birth and death. In turn, blessed ancestors are believed to shower
protection, prosperity, and guidance upon their living family members, making
these rituals a vital link between the past and the present.
Key
Rituals and Traditions
- Shraddha Ceremony: The core of Pitru Paksha is
the Shraddha ritual, where food offerings (usually cooked meals and rice
balls called pindas) are made on the death anniversary or during the
period for all ancestors combined. It is traditionally performed by the
eldest son or closest male relative.
- Tarpan: Daily offering of water
mixed with sesame seeds, barley, and kusha grass is done to quench the
thirst of the souls. This ritual is performed near sacred rivers or water
bodies.
- Pind Daan: Symbolic rice and barley
balls are offered representing the physical body, aiding the liberation of
the soul from worldly attachments.
- Charity and Donations: Food, clothes, and other
essentials are donated to Brahmins and the needy, carrying forward the
blessings in society.
- Feeding Animals: Crows, cows, and dogs are
fed during this period as they are considered messengers or attendants of
the ancestors.
Regional Variations
India’s
diverse cultures observe Pitru Paksha with unique variations. In North India,
grand community rituals called ‘tarpan samaaroh’ are common, while in South
India, offerings are accompanied by lighting terracotta lamps and river-side
ceremonies. Each region adds its cultural flavor but the essence of honoring
ancestors remains universal.
Mythological
Roots
One legend
tells of the great warrior Karna from the Mahabharata, who after death hungered
for ancestors’ offerings he had never performed. Pitru Paksha originated as the
period when such offerings can be fulfilled, symbolizing the spiritual
importance of remembering one's lineage.
Contemporary
Relevance
In 2025,
Pitru Paksha begins on Sunday, September 7, and ends on Sunday, September 21.
The period starts with Purnima Shraddha on September 7 and concludes with Sarva
Pitru Amavasya (Mahalaya Amavasya) on September 21. During these 15 days, daily
Shraddha rituals and offerings are performed to honor ancestors.
Here are some key Shraddha dates in September 2025:
|
Date |
Day |
Shraddha Ceremony/Event |
|
September 07 |
Sunday |
Purnima Shraddha (Start of Pitru Paksha) |
|
September 08 |
Monday |
Pratipada Shraddha |
|
September 09 |
Tuesday |
Dwitiya Shraddha |
|
September 10 |
Wednesday |
Tritiya & Chaturthi Shraddha |
|
September 11 |
Thursday |
Panchami Shraddha |
|
September 12 |
Friday |
Shashthi Shraddha |
|
September 13 |
Saturday |
Saptami Shraddha |
|
September 14 |
Sunday |
Ashtami Shraddha |
|
September 15 |
Monday |
Navami Shraddha |
|
September 16 |
Tuesday |
Dashami Shraddha |
|
September 17 |
Wednesday |
Ekadashi Shraddha |
|
September 18 |
Thursday |
Dwadashi Shraddha |
|
September 19 |
Friday |
Trayodashi & Magha Shraddha |
|
September 20 |
Saturday |
Chaturdashi Shraddha |
|
September 21 |
Sunday |
Sarva Pitru Amavasya (Mahalaya Amavasya) (End of
Pitru Paksha) |
This entire
period is regarded as highly auspicious for performing Shraddha ceremonies and
ancestral offerings.
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