Pitru Paksha 2024 Dates: Hindu Shradh Period Begins Today; Know Shraddha Rituals and Significance

The sacred period of Pitru Paksha begins today, on September 17, 2024, marking a time dedicated to honouring ancestors. Also known as the Shradh period, Pitru Paksha starts on the Pratipada Tithi of Krishna Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada and lasts for 16 days, ending on October 2, 2024, with the observance of Mahalaya Amavasya, also called Sarva Pitru Amavasya.

Pitru Paksha 2024 Dates

Significance of Pitru Paksha
Pitru Paksha holds deep religious and spiritual significance in Hinduism. It is believed that during this period, the souls of ancestors descend to the Earth, and their family members perform rituals to offer peace and sustenance to them. The primary ritual, Shraddha, is performed with the utmost devotion and respect to seek blessings from forefathers. Those with Pitru Dosha in their horoscope, often perform special Pitru Dosha Puja during this time to relieve any ancestral curse and bring peace to their lives.

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Shraddha Rituals

• Holy Bath: The eldest son in the family begins by taking a bath in holy water, signifying purity.
• Clean Attire: Those performing the rituals must wear clean and appropriate clothing.
• Ancestor's Portrait: A portrait of the ancestor is placed on a wooden table, facing south.
• Pind Daan Ritual: Pinds (offerings) are made from ingredients like ghee, honey, rice, and barley.
• Tarpan Ritual: Water mixed with flour, barley, kush, and black sesame is offered to the ancestors.
• Charity: The pinds and tarpan offerings are given to the poor and underprivileged.
• Purity: Participants maintain purity and holiness throughout the rituals.
• Food Offerings: Special meals are prepared for priests and crows.
• Penance: The 16-day period is a time of penance, where people remain calm and mindful.

Historical Significance
According to scriptures such as the Garuda Purana and Agni Purana, after death, a soul endures suffering in the afterlife. The Shraddha rituals are believed to provide peace, comfort, and relief to these wandering souls. Hindu mythology suggests that the souls of the last three generations reside in Pitru Lok, a realm between Heaven and Earth, overseen by Yama, the god of death. As new generations pass away, the older souls are believed to ascend to Heaven.

Without the proper observance of Shraddha, it is said that the souls remain unsatisfied, leading to restlessness in their afterlife. Performing these rituals ensures that ancestors receive the nourishment and offerings they need to find peace. In return, the ancestors bestow blessings of happiness, prosperity, and wellbeing upon their families.

During Pitru Paksha, auspicious activities such as marriages, buying new items, or welcoming brides are generally avoided. These actions are considered inauspicious, as they may disturb the ancestors' peace.