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.
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