Pitru Paksha 2025 (Mahalaya Paksha) – A Sacred Fortnight of Ancestral Gratitude

 

2025 Dates

• Start: September 7, 2025 – Purnima Shraddha
• End: September 21, 2025 – Sarva Pitru Amavasya / Mahalaya Amavasya

This 16-day period aligns with the Krishna Paksha (waning moon) of Bhadrapada Masam in South India and Ashwin Month in North India.

Spiritual Significance

• Rooted in the concept of Pitru Rina (ancestral debt), one of the three debts every soul must repay.
• Mentioned in Garuda Purana, Markandeya Purana, and Mahabharata.
• Believed that ancestors descend from Pitru Loka to accept offerings and bless their descendants.
• Performing Shraddha ensures moksha for departed souls and peace, prosperity, and protection for the living.

Core Rituals

Ritual	Description
Shraddha	Memorial rites performed on the tithi of the ancestor’s death
Tarpan	Offering water mixed with sesame seeds while chanting mantras
Pinda Daan	Offering rice balls, barley flour, and ghee to nourish ancestral spirits
Feeding Crows	Seen as auspicious; crow is the messenger of Lord Yama
Brahmin Bhoj	Feeding Brahmins and donating essentials like clothes and food
Scripture Reading	Recommended: Garuda Purana, Agni Purana, Pitru Sukta, Pitru Chalisa

Performed by the eldest male member, wearing a Kusha ring, after a purification bath, and always under priestly guidance.

Sacred Sites for Tarpan

These places are considered spiritually potent for ancestral rites:

• Gaya (Bihar) – Most revered site for Pinda Daan
• Prayagraj, Varanasi, Rameswaram, Kedarnath, Badrinath
• Nasik, Kapal Mochan, Sesh Ambadi

Performing rituals at these locations is believed to grant higher spiritual merit and ancestral liberation.

Do’s During Pitru Paksha

• Observe rituals during Aparahna Kaal (12 PM–5 PM)
• Maintain a sattvic diet (no onion, garlic, or non-veg)
• Offer food to Brahmins, cows, dogs, and crows
• Practice humility, forgiveness, and family unity
• Respect elders and uphold family traditions

Don’ts During Pitru Paksha

• Avoid new ventures, purchases, or celebrations
• Refrain from haircuts, nail trimming, and festive activities
• No marriages, housewarmings, or naming ceremonies
• Do not consume tamasic foods (onion, garlic, meat)
• Avoid wearing new clothes or jewelry

Types of Shraddha

Type	Purpose
Nitya Shraddha	Daily prayers for ancestors
Parvana Shraddha	Annual Shraddha on death anniversary
Ekodishta Shraddha	For a single ancestor
Sapindikarana Shraddha	Performed one year after death

Symbolism & Cosmic Alignment

• Pitru Paksha coincides with the autumnal equinox, symbolizing the Sun’s shift southward.
• This transition is believed to make ancestral souls more accessible to Earth.