Dwadashi Shraddha 2024: Know Date, Time, and Significance

Dwadashi Shraddha 2024

Dwadashi Shraddha is a vital part of the Pitru Paksha, a sacred fortnight dedicated to paying homage to one's deceased ancestors. This time it will be observed on Sunday, September 29, 2024. Specifically, Dwadashi Shraddha is performed for those who passed away on Dwadashi Tithi, which falls on the twelfth day of both the Shukla Paksha and Krishna Paksha.

This Shraddha is also significant for offering respects to those who embraced renunciation (Sannyasins) before their death. This unique tradition acknowledges their spiritual journey, seeking to offer them peace and liberation.

Dwadashi Shraddha is also commonly known as Baras Shraddha, and like all Shraddha ceremonies, it is a deeply spiritual ritual aimed at providing solace to the departed souls, ensuring their contentment in the afterlife.

Dwadashi Shraddha 2024: Date and Time

The rituals of Dwadashi Shraddha follow a structured procedure. Typically, the following steps are involved:

• Pinda Daan: Rice balls or pindas are offered to represent the ancestors. This is one of the central rituals, symbolizing the nourishing connection between the departed souls and the living.
• Tarpan: The offering of water, also known as Tarpan, is performed after the main rites. It is an essential part of Shraddha, intended to quench the thirst of the souls and ensure their peace.
• Offering of Food: A meal is prepared and offered, traditionally containing ingredients such as rice, lentils, vegetables, and sweets, which are believed to be favoured by the ancestors. After the offering, the food is distributed among priests, and other members of the family as part of the ritual.

The Shraddha rituals during Pitru Paksha hold immense importance in Hindu tradition. Dwadashi Shraddha is not just a way to honour the deceased, but also a way for the living to express their love and gratitude to their forefathers. It is believed that by performing these rites, families can ensure peace and salvation for the departed souls.

Moreover, Shraddha helps in addressing ancestral debts, known as Pitru Rin, which is believed to bring blessings and prosperity to the family. The offerings of food, water, and prayers made during Shraddha are said to reach the ancestors, ensuring their spiritual elevation.

Dwadashi Shraddha, specifically for Sannyasins, carries special significance because it serves as a way to acknowledge their renunciation of worldly life. By conducting these rites, families honour not just their familial bond but also the spiritual legacy that their ancestors may have left behind.