Pitru Paksha, also known as Shradh Paksha or the Fortnight of Ancestors, is a significant period in the Hindu calendar dedicated to honoring and remembering one’s forefathers. According to Hindu tradition, this 16-day period is believed to be the time when the souls of ancestors descend to the Earth to bless their descendants. Performing Shradh, Tarpan, and other rituals during this period is considered highly auspicious, as it is believed to bring peace to the departed souls and prosperity to the family.
In 2025, Pitru Paksha carries immense spiritual importance for devotees who wish to express gratitude to their ancestors. Let’s explore the exact dates, rituals, and auspicious timings for Pitru Paksha 2025.
Pitru Paksha 2025 Dates
Pitru Paksha falls in the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon) of the lunar month of Bhadrapada or Ashwin, depending on the regional calendar.
- Start Date: Sunday, 7 September 2025
- End Date: Sunday, 21 September 2025
This period lasts for 16 lunar days, each day dedicated to performing rituals for ancestors who passed away on that particular tithi (lunar day).
Importance of Pitru Paksha
Hindu scriptures such as the Garuda Purana and Matsya Purana highlight the importance of performing Shradh. It is believed that by offering food, water, and prayers to the ancestors, their souls attain peace, and the family receives blessings for health, wealth, and harmony.
- Spiritual Significance: Helps liberate the souls of ancestors from worldly bonds.
- Cultural Value: Strengthens family bonds by remembering lineage and traditions.
- Astrological Belief: Unresolved Pitru Dosha (ancestral debts) can create obstacles in life, which can be minimized through Shradh rituals.
Pitru Paksha 2025 Rituals
During Pitru Paksha, Hindus perform a series of rituals with utmost devotion. Here are the key practices:
1. Shradh (Offerings to Ancestors)
The main ritual involves offering cooked food to Brahmins and priests in memory of the departed souls. Commonly prepared items include kheer (sweet rice pudding), dal, roti, vegetables, and seasonal fruits.
2. Pind Daan
Rice balls mixed with sesame seeds, honey, and barley flour—known as Pind—are offered to the souls. This ritual is usually performed on the banks of sacred rivers such as Ganga, Yamuna, or at holy pilgrimage sites like Gaya, Prayagraj, and Haridwar.
3. Tarpan (Water Offering)
Water mixed with black sesame seeds and barley is offered while reciting specific mantras. This is believed to quench the thirst of the departed souls and give them peace.
4. Feeding the Needy, Cows, and Birds
Offering food to Brahmins, poor people, cows, and even crows is considered equivalent to feeding the ancestors directly. Crows, in particular, are believed to represent messengers of ancestors.
5. Observing Cleanliness and Fasting
Devotees maintain purity at home, avoid consuming non-vegetarian food, alcohol, or grains like rice on certain days, and some observe partial fasts during the rituals.
Auspicious Timings (Muhurat) for Pitru Paksha 2025
Performing Shradh rituals at the right time is vital for their effectiveness. The most preferred time is Kutup Muhurat and Rohina Muhurat, which occur in the forenoon.
- Shradh Puja Time: Generally performed between 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM
- Tarpan & Pind Daan Time: Morning hours after sunrise are considered ideal
- Special Muhurat: If unable to perform rituals on the exact tithi, the Sarva Pitru Amavasya (21 September 2025) is considered the most auspicious day to honor all ancestors collectively.
Do’s and Don’ts During Pitru Paksha
| Do’s | Don’ts |
|---|
| Perform rituals with devotion and sincerity. | Avoid starting new ventures, marriages, or celebrations during Pitru Paksha. |
| Offer satvik (pure vegetarian) food. | Refrain from consuming non-vegetarian food, alcohol, or onion and garlic. |
| Donate clothes, food, or money to the needy. | Do not disrespect elders or ignore the rituals. |
| Visit pilgrimage sites if possible. | — |
Conclusion
Pitru Paksha 2025 is a sacred opportunity to pay homage to our ancestors and seek their blessings for a harmonious and prosperous life. By performing Shradh, Tarpan, and Pind Daan with faith and devotion, one can not only bring peace to departed souls but also ensure spiritual upliftment for the entire family.
