Pitru Paksha 2025: Dates, Significance, and Shraddha Rituals

Pitru Paksh 2025, also known as Shraddha Paksha, is a sacred time in Hinduism when we remember and honor our departed ancestors. This fortnight is dedicated to praying for the peace of their souls and seeking their blessings. In 2025, Pitru Paksha will begin on Wednesday, September 17, and end on Thursday, October 2.

Importance of Pitru Paksha

Ancient scriptures like the Garuda Purana and Agni Purana describe the deep spiritual significance of Pitru Paksha. It is believed that during these 16 days, the souls of our ancestors come down to visit their earthly families. Performing Shraddha rituals with devotion and proper procedure during this time helps them attain peace and liberation (moksha). When done sincerely, these rituals bring blessings of prosperity and happiness to the family. Neglecting these duties may lead to Pitru Dosha, which can cause obstacles and misfortunes in life.

Pitru Paksha 2025 Dates

The Shraddha dates are based on the lunar calendar (Hindu Panchang) and correspond to the tithi (date) on which the ancestor passed away. Below are the important date for Pitru Paksh 2025:

Purnima Shraddha: Sunday, September 7, 2025
Pratipada Shraddha: Monday, September 8, 2025
Dwitiya Shraddha: Tuesday, September 9, 2025
Tritiya Shraddha: Wednesday, September 10, 2025
Chaturthi Shraddha: Wednesday, September 10, 2025
Panchami Shraddha: Thursday, September 11, 2025
Shashti Shraddha: Friday, September 12, 2025
Saptami Shraddha: Saturday, September 13, 2025
Ashtami Shraddha: Sunday, September 14, 2025
Navami Shraddha (Matru Navami): Monday, September 15, 2025
Dashami Shraddha: Tuesday, September 16, 2025
Ekadashi Shraddha: Wednesday, September 17, 2025
Dwadashi Shraddha (Sannyasi Shraddha): Thursday, September 18, 2025
Trayodashi Shraddha: Friday, September 19, 2025
Chaturdashi Shraddha (Shastra Ghat): Saturday, September 20, 2025
Sarva Pitru Amavasya: Sunday, September 21, 2025

Shraddha Rituals and Procedures

There are mainly three types of Shraddha performed during Pitru Paksha:

Parvan Shraddha: This is the most common form of Shraddha performed during Pitru Paksha. It includes offering food to Brahmins.
Ekadash Shraddha: This is performed on the eleventh day after someone’s death.
Sapindan Shraddha: This is conducted one year after a person’s death to formally integrate them with the ancestral lineage.

Common Rituals During Pitru Paksha 2025

Tarpan: Offering water mixed with sesame seeds, barley, and kusa grass to satisfy and honor the ancestors.
Pind Daan: Rice balls made with milk, barley, and sesame seeds are offered to represent ancestral food.
Feeding Brahmins: Serving food to Brahmins is a sacred way to please the ancestors. Along with food, clothes and donations (dakshina) are also given.
Feeding crows, cows, and dogs: It is believed that ancestors accept food offered to these beings. Crows are particularly seen as messengers of the Pitru Lok.
Charity and donations: Donating essentials to the poor and needy during Pitru Paksha is considered highly auspicious.
Living a sattvic life: One should avoid tamasic foods like meat and alcohol and stay away from negative actions during this period.

Do’s and Don’ts During Pitru Paksha 2025

What You Should Do:

Remember and express gratitude toward your ancestors.
Perform Tarpan, Pind Daan, and Brahmin Bhojan with sincerity.
Donate food, clothes, or money to the poor and needy.
Chant Pitru Stotra or other ancestral hymns.
Take an early morning bath, wear clean clothes, and start the rituals with devotion.

What You Should Avoid

Don’t begin any auspicious activity like marriage, housewarming, or naming ceremonies.
Avoid buying new clothes or luxury items during this time.
Refrain from cutting hair, shaving, or trimming nails.
Don’t consume alcohol, non-vegetarian food, or onion-garlic dishes.
Avoid quarrels, disrespectful behavior, or hurting others.

Pitru Paksha gives us a sacred opportunity to reconnect with our roots and seek the blessings of our ancestors. The rituals performed with faith and discipline during these 16 days not only bring peace to the departed souls but also invite harmony, happiness, and prosperity into our lives.