Pitru Paksha is a sacred period of 16 days dedicated to honoring one’s ancestors. During this time, Hindus perform rituals, make donations, and offer food to pay homage to forefathers and seek their blessings. Observing these rituals is believed to bring peace to the departed souls and prosperity to the living family.

Significance of Pitru Paksha

According to Hindu beliefs, during Pitru Paksha, the souls of ancestors descend to the earthly realm to bless their descendants. Performing rituals such as Tarpan, Shraddha, and Pind Daan is considered essential to help ancestors attain peace and cross over to their destined realms.

The Story of Karna and Shraddha

The tradition of offering Shraddha is linked to Karna, a legendary figure from the Mahabharata. Known for his generosity, Karna donated gold and precious items to help the needy. After his death, he found himself in heaven, where he was given gold and jewels to eat. Confused, Karna asked Indra about this, who explained that while Karna had been generous, he had never performed offerings for his ancestors. Upon this realization, Karna was allowed to return to Earth to perform Shraddha and seek redemption.

Performing Shraddha: Step by Step

The Shraddha ritual is traditionally performed by the eldest male member of the family. Here’s an overview of the process:

1. Purification: Take a bath and wear a ring of kush grass, symbolizing benevolence. The term “Kushal Buddhi” is believed to originate from this sacred grass.

2. Offering Pind Daan: Rice, sesame seeds, and barley flour balls are offered to ancestors.

3. Invoking Blessings: Darbha grass, known for its uninterrupted growth, is used to invoke blessings and remove obstacles.

4. Food Offering: Specially prepared food is offered in memory of ancestors. Feeding a crow is considered auspicious, as it symbolizes the messenger of Yama.

5. Brahmin Feeding: Finally, Brahmin priests are served food, after which the family members partake in their meal.

Do’s During Pitru Paksha

• Read Holy Scriptures: Recite texts like the Garuda Purana, Agni Purana, or stories of Nachiketa and Ganga Avataram.

• Perform Rituals Earnestly: Maintain sincerity, free of negative thoughts or malice. This ensures the ritual bears spiritual fruit.

• Respect Ancestors: Engage in prayers, donations, and offerings to honor forefathers.

Don’ts During Pitru Paksha

Pitru Paksha is not considered an auspicious time for new beginnings. Certain activities are traditionally avoided:

• Major Life Events: Avoid weddings, moving into a new house, starting a business, or celebrating the birth of a child.

• Personal Grooming: Refrain from cutting hair, shaving, or washing hair, particularly on Mahalaya Amavasya.

• Dietary Restrictions: Avoid non-vegetarian food, as well as onion and garlic.

• Recreational Activities: Minimize indulgence in pleasurable activities to maintain focus on ancestral reverence.

Observing these guidelines with devotion and mindfulness ensures that the rituals are effective and ancestors are honored appropriately. Pitru Paksha is a time to pause, reflect, and strengthen the spiritual connection with one’s lineage.

Pitru Paksha 2025 Dates of Shradh Tithi

In Hindu tradition, Pitru Paksha is a sacred period dedicated to honoring and paying homage to our ancestors. During this time, Shraddha rituals are performed to seek blessings and ensure peace for the departed souls of the family. The year 2025 brings a well-defined schedule of Shraddha dates, starting from Purnima Shraddha and culminating in the significant Sarva Pitru Amavasya. Observing these dates is considered highly auspicious, as it allows devotees to perform rituals with devotion and fulfill their duties toward their forefathers. Here’s the complete list of Shraddha dates for 2025 along with important observances:

The Purnima Shraddha and lunar eclipse will occur on Sunday, 7th September 2025, followed by the beginning of Pitru Paksha on Monday, 8th September 2025. The Pratipada Shraddha will also be observed on 8th September, followed by Dwitiya Shraddha on 9th September, Tritiya and Chaturthi Shraddha on 10th September, Panchami Shraddha and Maha Bharani on 11th September, Shashti Shraddha on 12th September, Saptami Shraddha on 13th September, Ashtami Shraddha on 14th September, Navami Shraddha on 15th September, Dashami Shraddha on 16th September, Ekadashi Shraddha on 17th September, Dwadashi Shraddha on 18th September, Trayodashi (Magha) Shraddha on 19th September, Chaturdashi Shraddha on 20th September, and finally, Sarva Pitru Amavasya will be observed on Sunday, 21st September 2025.

Note: This year, the 3rd and 4th Shradh fall on 10 September 2025, but these dates are considered blank (void) for performing Shradh rituals

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