Pitru Paksha, the ancient Hindu tradition of feeding the dead ancestors, is a very important occasion for people. Have you ever wondered how this significant period is observed? Learn all about the Pitru Paksha 2024 period, also known as Shradh, in this very informative article. Additionally, get useful astrology insights and tips as you keep reading.

Pitru Paksha, commonly known as Shradh, is considered a very important occasion as per the Hindu traditions for the happiness, peace, and solace of our Pitrus or the dead ancestors in the family. The 16-day event comes every year in the Hindu lunar month of Ashwin, and people perform various Pujas, rituals, and Pind Daan during the Shradh. It is believed that if the Pind Daan is done and Shradh is performed as per the rituals, the souls of the dead remain happy and calm in heaven. This is mentioned in detail and at length in the ancient Hindu scripture - Brahma Puran.

Pitru Paksha 2024 Date and Time

In 2024, Pitru Paksha, also known as Shradh, starts on 17th September with Poornima Shradh (Pratipada Shradh) and ends on 2nd October with Sarva Pitru Amavasya, the most significant day of Shradh. According to the Hindu calendar, Pitru Paksha begins on Bhadrapada Poornima and concludes on Ashwin Amavasya.

List of All Pitru Paksha Days in 2024 with Their Dates

• 17 September 2024, Tuesday: Purnima Shradh (First Shradh)

• 18 September 2024, Wednesday: Pratipada Shradh (Second Shradh)

• 19 September 2024, Thursday: Dwitiya Shradh (Third Shradh)

• 20 September 2024, Friday: Tritiya Shradh (Fourth Shradh)

• 21 September 2024, Saturday: Chaturthi Shradh (Fifth Shradh)

• 21 September 2024, Saturday: Maha Bharani (Fifth Shradh)

• 22 September 2024, Sunday: Panchami Shradh (Sixth Shradh)

• 23 September 2024, Monday: Shashthi Shradh (Seventh Shradh)

• 23 September 2024, Monday: Saptami Shradh (Eighth Shradh)

• 24 September 2024, Tuesday: Ashtami Shradh (Ninth Shradh)

• 25 September 2024, Wednesday: Navami Shradh (Tenth Shradh)

• 26 September 2024, Thursday: Dashami Shradh (Eleventh Shradh)

• 27 September 2024, Friday: Ekadashi Shradh (Twelfth Shradh)

• 29 September 2024, Sunday: Dwadashi Shradh (Thirteenth Shradh)

• 29 September 2024, Sunday: Magha Shradh (Thirteenth Shradh)

• 30 September 2024, Monday: Trayodashi Shradh (Fourteenth Shradh)

• 01 October 2024, Tuesday: Chaturdashi Shradh (Fifteenth Shradh)

• 02 October 2024, Wednesday: Sarva Pitru Amavasya (Sixteenth Shradh)

What are the Rituals of Pitru Paksha?

Pitru Paksha rituals are an important part of honoring ancestors in Hindu tradition. This period, also known as Shradh, is a 16-day phase where offerings are made to departed souls to seek their blessings. Common rituals include performing Tarpan (water offerings), Pind Daan (offering of food), and reciting prayers or mantras to ensure peace for the ancestors. These rituals are typically carried out by the eldest male in the family and are believed to bring prosperity and spiritual protection to descendants.

Shradh 4 Rituals Primarily Involve the Following:

Vishwadeva Sthapana - This ritual is the process of consulting a professional priest and gathering all the other materials needed to perform the Pitru Paksha.

Pind Daan - It is the giving of rice, cow's milk, ghee, sugar, and honey to the ancestors in the form of a pinda, or rounded heap of the offering. To be effective, Pind Daan should be performed with complete devotion, feelings, and respect for the departed soul.

Tarpan - It is a water offering mixed with black sesame, barley, Kusha grass, and white flour. Tarpan is thought to appease the spirits of the ancestors.

Feeding the Brahmin - For the Shradh ritual to be complete, this step is necessary. Before giving food to the Brahmin, offerings are also made to the crows.

Important Things to Remember During Pitru Paksha

• If the date of the death of Pitru is unknown, then their Shradh can be performed on Amavasya day.

• In case of accidental death or death by poison or early death, Shradh should be performed on the Chaturdasi.

• Brahman Bhoj is highly significant, and you can arrange for one or more Brahman Bhoj, depending on your budget.

• During the Brahman Bhoj, Kheer must be offered.

• Sankalp should be made with the Brahmin, using the deceased's name, family name, Gotra, date, and location.

• After Brahmin Bhoj, cows and crows should be fed as well. According to legend, a crow will deliver your message to your departed elders.

• If the Shradh is performed as per the Vidhi and rituals, then the family is said to be blessed with health, abundance, long life, happiness, and peace.

Significance: Why is Pitru Paksha Observed?

The period of Pitru Paksha marks the beginning of the waning phase of the lunar cycle according to the Hindu lunar calendar. During this time, various rituals are performed to honor the deceased. According to popular belief, the sad souls of the dead visit their loved ones on Earth to see them.

According to the Garuda Purana, the soul begins its journey to Yamapuri thirteen days after death and travels there in seventeen days. The soul continues to travel through Yamapuri for an additional eleven months, arriving at the court of Yamaraj only in the twelfth month. And during the period of eleven months, it is deprived of food and water.

Now let's learn how Pitru Paksha 2024 will affect all the 12 zodiac signs and what remedies they should perform.

Pitru Paksha Predictions for the 12 Zodiac Signs

Aries: Dear Arians, your Pitrus will bless you with lots of happiness and abundance, and they will add grace to your life. You will sense their presence and blessings all around you, especially when you want to start something new and significant in your life. Always remember that they are watching you from heaven and blessing you daily. Remember that they are watching over you from heaven and blessing you daily.

Astrology Tip: Feed the crows.

Taurus: Dear Taureans, you are always being watched and protected by your Pitrus, and they have you completely covered. So there is no reason for you to feel lonely or insecure because they will continue to protect and bless you from there. Thank them every day and keep them in your heart.

Astrology Tip: Feed cows.

Gemini: Dear Geminis, never give up hope, and know that your Pitrus is guiding you even in difficult situations.When you are stuck or in a bind and don't know how to handle or get out of a situation, your Pitrus will guide you. They may communicate with you through your dreams or in some other way, but they will instill hope in your life.

Astrology Tip: Arrange Brahman Bhoj.

Cancer: Dear Cancerians, if you have any unresolved issues in your life at the moment and are unable to find the answers to some questions, then the best bet is to connect with your Pitrus and ask them to guide and mentor you. It will be miraculous how they will convey the solutions to your problems through various messages.

Astrology Tip: Make donations in your Pitru's honor.

Leo: Dear Leos, you will be abundantly blessed, and a new family member in the form of a newborn baby may arrive very soon. This new addition to the family could be the return of one of your Pitrus, whom you loved and still miss. As a result, they will re-enter your life as a new relationship.

Astrology Tip: Feed the dogs.

Virgo: Dear Virgos, it’s time to say goodbye to all your insecurities and fear and phobias as the universe knows it all, and this year your Pitrus will provide you with a strong protection mechanism so that these fears are totally taken care of since the root levels leaving you bold and beautiful.

Astrology Tip: Arrange for a Brahman Bhoj covering as many brahmins as possible.

Libra: Dear Librans, it's time to set yourself free and stop burying yourself in work all the time. Too many responsibilities on your plate, some of which are unnecessary. This year, your Pitrus will bestow wisdom on you and provide you with innovative ideas for taking care of things more efficiently and smartly.

Astrology Tip: Feed the dogs.

Scorpio: Dear Scorpions, you will not feel lonely anymore as a true soulmate will soon enter your heart and your love life. This will be the prince charming or the queen of your life that you always had in your dreams. Remember, this will be a Prasadam or a blessing that your Pitrus will shower on you, so do thank them from the bottom of your heart.

Astrology Tip: Donate clothes to older people or the Brahmins.

Sagittarius: Dear Sagittarians, you will feel abundance all around you all the time. Everything you touch will turn into gold as if you have a Midas touch, and all this will be possible only because of the good deeds and karmas you did, making your Pitrus happy and proud of you.

Astrology Tip: Feed crows.

Capricorn: Dear Capricorns, you will put your entire attention and focus on your self-development, which is extremely intelligent as there is nothing more gratifying and rewarding than working on yourself. Your Pitrus will bless you with all the required support systems and logistics, making your journey and path much easier.

Astrology Tip: Feed cows.

Aquarius: Dear Aquarians, it's time to keep your focus on your health and ensure you don't fall sick as you have been ignoring your body for quite some time. You don't want to overindulge right now and repent later. Your Pitrus will send you the necessary wisdom of self-discipline and controlling your compulsions.

Astrology Tip: Donate food to the elderly and Brahmins.

Pisces: Dear Pisceans, work as hard as you can now as your Pitrus are watching you, and they are already immensely proud of your hard work and skills. Time to make them more proud by doing the right things more often.

Astrology Tip: Donate clothes to the old people and brahmins.

Consult with Astrologers to learn more about Pitru Paksha and to receive individualized astrological guidance for 2024!

Pitru Paksha blessings to all!