when is pitru paksha starting

Introduction to Pitru Paksha (पितृ पक्ष क्या है?)

Pitru Paksha, also known as Shraddha Paksha, is a 16-day period in the Hindu calendar dedicated to performing rituals for deceased ancestors. This time is considered highly sacred for offering Tarpan, Pind Daan, and Shraddha to appease the departed souls and seek their blessings. It is believed that during this period, the spirits of ancestors visit the earth to receive offerings from their descendants.

Significance of Pitru Paksha (पितृ पक्ष का महत्व)

Pitru Paksha holds immense importance in Hindu traditions. According to Hindu beliefs, the souls of our ancestors reside in Pitru Loka, and they have an influence on the well-being and prosperity of their descendants. Performing Shraddha rituals during this time helps to free their souls from any unfulfilled desires, allowing them to attain peace and liberation (Moksha).

The Garuda Purana and Mahabharata emphasize the significance of Pitru Paksha, stating that those who fail to perform Shraddha may face difficulties in life due to ancestral dissatisfaction. Lord Krishna himself explained the importance of Pitra Tarpan to Bhishma in the Mahabharata.

Pitru Paksha 2025 Dates and Time (पितृ पक्ष 2025 तिथि और समय)

Pitru Paksha falls in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada (usually in September-October) during the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon). The exact dates for 2025 are:

• Start Date: 6th September 2025 (Saturday)

• End Date: 21st September 2025 (Sunday)

• Mahalaya Amavasya: 21st September 2025

Pitru Paksha 2025 Shraddha Dates (पितृ पक्ष श्राद्ध तिथियाँ 2025)

• Pratipada Shraddha - 6th September 2025 (Saturday)

• Dwitiya Shraddha - 7th September 2025 (Sunday)

• Tritiya Shraddha - 8th September 2025 (Monday)

• Chaturthi Shraddha - 9th September 2025 (Tuesday)

• Panchami Shraddha - 10th September 2025 (Wednesday)

• Shashthi Shraddha - 11th September 2025 (Thursday)

• Saptami Shraddha - 12th September 2025 (Friday)

• Ashtami Shraddha - 13th September 2025 (Saturday)

• Navami Shraddha - 14th September 2025 (Sunday)

• Dashami Shraddha - 15th September 2025 (Monday)

• Ekadashi Shraddha - 16th September 2025 (Tuesday)

• Dwadashi Shraddha - 17th September 2025 (Wednesday)

• Trayodashi Shraddha - 18th September 2025 (Thursday)

• Chaturdashi Shraddha - 19th September 2025 (Friday)

• Sarva Pitru Amavasya - 21st September 2025 (Sunday)

Each day of Pitru Paksha is dedicated to offering Shraddha to ancestors who passed away on that specific lunar day (Tithi).

Shraddha Vidhi and Rituals (श्राद्ध विधि और अनुष्ठान)

Performing Shraddha and Tarpan with sincerity ensures peace for the departed souls. The rituals involve:

1. Tarpan (तर्पण): Offering water mixed with sesame seeds, barley, and Kusha grass to invoke and satisfy ancestors.

2. Pind Daan (पिंड दान): Offering rice balls (Pind) mixed with ghee, honey, and black sesame seeds.

3. Brahmin Bhojan (ब्राह्मण भोजन): Feeding Brahmins and offering donations (Daan) in the name of ancestors.

4. Feeding Cows, Dogs, and Crows: It is believed that ancestors accept offerings through these beings.

Dos and Don'ts During Pitru Paksha (पितृ पक्ष में क्या करें और क्या न करें)

Things to Do:

• Perform Shraddha rituals with devotion.

• Offer food to Brahmins, animals, and needy individuals.

• Maintain purity and cleanliness in the home.

• Recite Pitru Stotra and Bhagavad Gita verses for ancestral peace.

Things to Avoid:

• Avoid starting new ventures, marriages, or buying new property.

• Do not consume non-vegetarian food, onion, garlic, or alcohol.

• Avoid cutting hair, nails, or shaving during this period.

• Do not disrespect or ignore the Pitru Paksha rituals.

Conclusion (निष्कर्ष)

Pitru Paksha is a sacred period that strengthens the bond between the living and the departed. By performing the Shraddha rituals with faith and devotion, one ensures the peace and happiness of their ancestors while receiving their blessings. Observing Pitru Paksha with sincerity leads to prosperity, removes obstacles, and fulfills life’s aspirations.

Performing rituals on Mahalaya Amavasya is considered especially powerful, as it grants special blessings and ensures a brighter future for the coming generations.