Pitru Paksha, a sacred period in the Hindu calendar, is dedicated to honouring ancestors. This year, it commenced on Tuesday, September 17th, and will conclude on Wednesday, October 2nd. During these 16 days, known as the Shradh period, families across India observe rituals to offer peace and sustenance to their departed loved ones.
According to the Hindu calendar, Pitru Paksha begins on the Pratipada Tithi of Krishna Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada. It ends on Mahalaya Amavasya, also known as Sarva Pitru Amavasya. This period is observed with utmost devotion and respect to the ancestors.
The Significance of Pitru Paksha
The Hindu religion believes that during Pitru Paksha, the souls of forefathers descend to Earth, seeking peace and comfort from their families. Through rituals, families connect with their ancestors, offer them sustenance, and seek their blessings.
Shradh: The Most Important Ritual
Shradh is the most significant ritual performed during Pitru Paksha. It is believed that through these rituals, the souls of the departed receive peace and relief in the afterlife.
The Garuda Purana, a sacred Hindu text, states that souls undergo suffering after death. Shradh rituals provide solace and comfort to the departed, ensuring their peaceful transition.
The souls of the last three generations are said to reside in Pitru Lok, a realm between Heaven and Earth, overseen by Yamraj, the god of death.
Performing the Shradh Rituals
The rituals of Pitru Paksha involve various practices:
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Holy Bath:
Taking a holy bath with clean water is considered auspicious.*
Clean Attire:
Wearing clean clothes is an essential part of the ritual.*
Ancestor’s Portrait:
The ancestor’s portrait or image should be placed facing the south direction.*
Pind Daan (Offerings):
Pind Daan involves offering cooked food and rice balls to the ancestors.*
Tarpan Ritual:
In the Tarpan ritual, water mixed with flour, barley, kush (sacred grass), and black sesame is offered to the ancestors.*
Charity and Food Offerings:
During Pitru Paksha, offering food and making charitable donations are considered virtuous acts.Observing the Dates
To ensure the rituals are performed on the appropriate dates, here is a detailed calendar for Pitru Paksha 2024:
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Tuesday (September 17):
Purnima Shradh*
Wednesday (September 18):
Pratipada Shradh*
Thursday (September 19):
Dwitiya Shradh*
Friday (September 20):
Tritiya Shradh*
Saturday (September 21):
Chaturthi Shradh*
Saturday (September 21):
Maha Bharani*
Sunday (September 22):
Panchami Shradh*
Monday (September 23):
Shashthi Shradh*
Monday (September 23):
Saptami Shradh*
Tuesday (September 24):
Ashtami Shradh*
Wednesday (September 25):
Navami Shradh*
Thursday (September 26):
Dashami Shradh*
Friday (September 27):
Ekadashi Shradh*
Sunday (September 29):
Dwadashi Shradh*
Sunday (September 29):
Magha Shradh*
Monday (September 30):
Trayodashi Shradh*
Tuesday (October 1):
Chaturdashi Shradh*
Wednesday (October 2):
Sarva Pitru AmavasyaPitru Paksha is a time for reflection, remembrance, and gratitude. By performing the prescribed rituals with devotion, families honor their ancestors, seek their blessings, and ensure their peaceful journey in the afterlife.
