Pitru Paksha – Time to Honor Our Ancestor's

Pitru Paksha (also called Shraddh Paksha or Mahalaya Paksha) is a very sacred period in Hindu tradition, dedicated to paying homage to our ancestors (Pitru). Are these the only days to remember our ancestors? - No, we remember them every day but these days are special days and more chance to connect with our loved ones who are no more physically present with us 🙏🙏

🌼 Pitru Paksha Details

🗓️ Duration: 16 lunar days (Bhadrapada Poornima to Ashwin Amavasya)

👉 In 2025, Pitru Paksha will be observed from 7th September to 21st September 2025.

📜 Different Days of Shraddha (Pitru Paksha)

Pitru Paksha lasts for 16 lunar days, and each day is dedicated to offering Shraddha for ancestors who passed away on that specific tithi (lunar day).

🗓️ Day-wise Shraddha Types

1. Pratipada Shraddha – For those who died on Pratipada (1st lunar day).

2. Dwitiya Shraddha – For ancestors who passed on Dwitiya (2nd lunar day).

3. Tritiya Shraddha – For those departed on Tritiya (3rd lunar day).

4. Chaturthi Shraddha – For ancestors who left on Chaturthi (4th lunar day).

5. Panchami Shraddha – For those passed away on Panchami (5th lunar day).

6. Shashti Shraddha – For ancestors departed on Shashti (6th lunar day).

7. Saptami Shraddha – For those who died on Saptami (7th lunar day).

8. Ashtami Shraddha – For those who passed on Ashtami (8th lunar day).

9. Navami Shraddha (Avidhava Navami) – For women who died before their husbands (especially widows).

10. Dashami Shraddha – For ancestors departed on Dashami (10th lunar day).

11. Ekadashi Shraddha – For those who passed on Ekadashi (11th lunar day).

12. Dwadashi Shraddha – For ancestors who died on Dwadashi (12th lunar day).

13. Trayodashi Shraddha – For those departed on Trayodashi (13th lunar day).

14. Chaturdashi Shraddha (Ghat Chaturdashi) – For people who died due to unnatural deaths (accidents, weapons, water, fire, etc.).

15. Sarva Pitru Amavasya (Mahalaya Amavasya) – The last day, most important. If someone’s death tithi is unknown, Shraddha is performed on this day for all ancestors.

✨ Special Shraddhas

• 👶 Kumara Shraddha – For children who died before marriage.

• 🙏 Sarva Pitru Shraddha – For all ancestors collectively, on Amavasya.

✨ Significance

• A time to honor our ancestors through Shraddh, Tarpan, and Pind Daan.

• It is believed that ancestors bless their descendants with prosperity, protection, and peace of mind when rituals are performed with devotion.

• Performing charity during this period is considered highly auspicious.

🌸 Key Rituals

1. Tarpan – Offering water and sesame seeds to ancestors.

2. Pind Daan – Offering of rice balls mixed with ghee, honey, and barley flour.

3. Shraddh – Ritual performed with mantras, food offerings, and prayers.

4. Anna Daan – Feeding Brahmins, cows, and the poor to bring peace to the ancestors.

   
   

✅ Eligible Persons

1. Son – The primary person to perform Shraddha for the departed soul.

2. Grandson / Great-grandson – In absence of sons, grandsons (from the male lineage) can do the rituals.

3. Adopted Son – Has the same right as a biological son.

4. Wife on Behalf of Husband – If the husband is away, ill, or deceased, the wife can perform Shraddha.

5. Daughters – In modern times and certain traditions, daughters can perform Shraddha in absence of male heir or if they are unable to perform.Daughters should also remember her ancestors and donate food or service in whatever way she can in loving memory of her side ancestors even after her marriage along with ancestors of her husband and same goes for the men .

6. Husband on behalf of Wife - If there are no male heir in the wife’s family or if they are unable to perform the rituals for ancestors then husband can also perform rituals for the wife’s family too.

7. Close Relatives – In absence of direct descendants, brother, nephew, or other close relatives may perform.

8. Brahmin / Priest – If no family member is available, Shraddha can be done through a priest appointed for the ritual.

   
   

🌸 Important Notes

• The performer should be pure (mentally & physically) and devoted during the ritual.

• The ritual is usually done in the morning or midday after bathing.

• Fasting or eating only sattvic food is recommended.

✨ Spiritual Belief:

Performing Shraddha ensures that the souls of ancestors are satisfied and they bless the family with peace, prosperity, and protection.

🙏 Do’s During Pitru Paksha

✔️ Perform Shraddh on the tithi (lunar day) of ancestor’s death.

✔️ Maintain purity and devotion while offering prayers.

✔️ Donate food, clothes, and essentials in memory of ancestors.

🚫 Don’ts During Pitru Paksha

❌ Avoid starting new ventures, weddings, or celebrations.

❌ Avoid cutting trees or harming animals and avoid donation of chappals or slippers.

❌ Avoid consumption of non-veg, alcohol, onion, and garlic.