Chaturdashi Shraddha 2024: Date, Time, Significance and More

Chaturdashi Shraddha, also known as Ghat Chaturdashi or Ghayala Chaturdashi, is a significant observance within the realm of Hindu rituals dedicated to honouring the deceased.  In 2024, Chaturdashi Shraddha will be observed on Tuesday, October 01. This specific Shraddha is observed for those who have passed away due to unnatural causes such as accidents, suicide, or murder. The day holds immense importance for families looking to pay homage and seek peace for their departed loved ones who met such tragic ends.

Chaturdashi Shraddha 2024: Date and Time

Who Should Observe Chaturdashi Shraddha?

Unlike other Shraddhas that are performed for ancestors on the anniversary of their passing or on the specific tithi during the Pitru Paksha, Chaturdashi Shraddha is uniquely meant for those who lost their lives in an unfortunate and untimely manner. It is believed that such souls might carry unfulfilled desires and intense energy that can cause restlessness even in the afterlife. Performing Chaturdashi Shraddha with devotion and sincerity is said to provide peace to these souls, helping them attain moksha (liberation) and a state of tranquility.

If a family member has passed away due to natural causes, their Shraddha is performed on the Amavasya Tithi. However, for unnatural deaths as mentioned above, Chaturdashi Shraddha is deemed appropriate. Families can still conduct the Shraddha on Sarvapitri Amavasya (the final day of Pitru Paksha) if they are unable to do so on Chaturdashi Tithi.

Chaturdashi Shraddha 2024: Rituals

The rituals of Chaturdashi Shraddha are similar to other Shraddha ceremonies but have some distinctive aspects that cater to the unique nature of the departed souls being worshipped:

1. Cleansing and Preparation: The day begins with a ritualistic bath and cleansing of the body. The individual performing the Shraddha should wear simple, traditional attire, preferably white or yellow, which are considered auspicious.
2. Setting Up the Ritual Space: A clean area is designated for the ceremony. A photo or symbolic representation of the deceased is placed, and offerings such as flowers, incense, and lamps (diyas) are arranged.
3. Pinda Daan and Offering of Food: The main ritual involves offering Pindas (balls made of rice, barley, and sesame seeds) to the departed soul. These Pindas represent the physical form of the deceased and are believed to provide nourishment to their soul in the afterlife. Special food is prepared without using onion, garlic, or other tamasic ingredients. The food is then offered to Brahmins or needy individuals.
4. Tarpan: Tarpan, an offering of water mixed with sesame seeds, barley, and sacred grass (Darbha), is performed while reciting mantras to invoke the ancestors. This offering symbolises quenching the thirst of the departed and showing reverence.
5. Donation and Feeding Brahmins: After the rituals, it is considered highly auspicious to donate clothes, food, and other essentials to Brahmins or those in need. Feeding the Brahmins is an important part of the Shraddha as it is believed that by doing so, the blessings and satisfaction of the deceased are attained.

The observance of Chaturdashi Shraddha holds profound spiritual and emotional significance. According to Hindu beliefs, the souls of those who have died untimely deaths may not find peace easily. Such souls might linger in the earthly realm due to their unfulfilled desires or sudden departure. Through Chaturdashi Shraddha, families seek to release these souls from their earthly attachments and grant them eternal peace.

In addition to providing solace to the departed, performing this Shraddha is said to mitigate the effects of Pitra Dosh, a dosha that can manifest as negative influences in a person’s life due to unresolved issues or karmas of the ancestors. Pitra Dosh can lead to obstacles such as delayed marriages, health issues, or financial instability. By performing the rituals on this day, it is believed that these hindrances can be overcome.

Chaturdashi Shraddha 2024, falling on 1st October, provides an opportunity for families to connect with their ancestors and offer prayers for their peaceful journey in the afterlife. This day, dedicated to those who met with unnatural ends, allows for the resolution of karmic debts and brings a sense of spiritual closure. With proper rituals, offerings, and devotion, one can ensure that the departed souls receive the blessings and peace they deserve, thereby fostering prosperity and harmony within the family.

As we approach this sacred day, let us remember our departed loved ones with reverence and gratitude, performing the necessary rituals to ensure their happiness and moksha.