Pitru Paksha 2025 Begins: Complete Guide to Shradha Tithi, Start & End Dates, Puja Vidhi and Significance

Pitru Paksha 2025 Begins: Complete Guide to Shradha Tithi, Start & End Dates, Puja Vidhi and Significance

Pitru Paksha 2025 has begun from September 7, 2025 and will conclude on September 21, 2025 with the observance of Mahalaya Amavasya, it is also called Sarva Pitru Amavasya. This sacred 16-day period, also known as Shradha Paksha which is dedicated to offering prayers and rituals for one’s ancestors, seeking their peace and blessings. According to Hindu belief, during these days, the souls of ancestors descend to Earth from Pitru Lok and stay until Mahalaya Amavasya, receiving offerings made by their descendants.

Pitru Paksha 2025: Start and End Dates

Pitru Paksha: Significance

Pitru Paksha holds immense importance in Hindu traditions as it is believed that without proper rituals, the souls of ancestors may remain unsatisfied in the afterlife. Performing Shradha, Pind Daan, and Tarpan during this period helps departed souls attain peace while blessing the family with happiness, prosperity, and protection from Pitru Dosha.

According to Hindu scriptures, ancestors reside in Pitru Lok under the guidance of Lord Yama, the god of death. Through rituals performed during Pitru Paksha, their souls are nourished, helping them ascend to higher realms.

Pitru Paksha 2025: Shradha Rituals to Follow

During Pitru Paksha, rituals must be performed with devotion and purity. The main Shradha Vidhi includes:

• The performer begins with a purifying bath in sacred water.
• Wearing fresh and simple clothes is considered essential.
• A photo or symbolic portrait is placed facing south on a wooden platform.
• Offerings made with rice, barley, honey, and ghee to nourish ancestral souls.
• Water mixed with black sesame, kush grass, and barley is offered to the Pitru.
• Food is donated to Brahmins, priests, the poor, and crows, symbolizing acceptance by ancestors.
• Dishes like kheer, puri, and seasonal vegetables are prepared as offerings.
• The period is observed with self-restraint, penance, and devotion.

• Auspicious events like marriages, housewarming, or major purchases are avoided.
• Non-vegetarian food, alcohol, and gambling are strictly prohibited.
• Quarrels and negative actions are believed to disturb the peace of ancestors.

As Mahalaya Amavasya 2025 approaches, devotees across India will observe rituals with devotion, ensuring their ancestors rest in peace while showering their families with prosperity.