Pitru Paksha 2025: Pitru Paksha, which starts from the full moon of Bhadrapada Shukla Paksha, begins on September 7, 2025. There is also a lunar eclipse on this day, but it will not have any effect on Pitru Paksha. Pitru Paksha has a very special significance in Sanatan Dharma. The word ‘Shraddha’ is derived from the Sanskrit term ‘shraddha’, which means our reverence and devotion towards our ancestors. In Hinduism, Pitru Paksha is regarded as a significant period to honour and pay tribute to ancestors. During this time, people pray for the peace of their ancestors’ souls by performing Shraddha and Tarpan.
In the year 2025, Pitru Paksha is scheduled to begin on September 7 and conclude on September 21, coinciding with Sarvapitre Amavasya. During Pitru Paksha, Shraddha, Tarpan, and Pinda Daan are performed to repay the debt and for the peace of the souls of ancestors. It is believed that these deeds performed during Pitru Paksha not only bring peace to the souls of the ancestors but also release the doer from the debt owed to them. Ganga bath, Brahmin feast and donation are considered especially virtuous during this period.
What is the importance of Shraddha and why?
The word ‘Shraddha’ itself means faith. It is said in the scriptures that a part of our ancestors runs in our veins. Therefore, we are indebted to them. There is a method to repay this debt by performing Shraddha, Tarpan, and Pinda Daan during Pitru Paksha. It is believed that these deeds not only give peace to the souls of the ancestors but also free the doer from the debt of the ancestors.
Dates of Pitru Paksha 2025
September 7 – Purnima Shradh
September 8 – Pratipada Shradh
September 9 – Dwitiya Shradh
September 10 – Tritiya Shradh, Chaturthi Shradh
September 11 – Panchami Shradh, Maha Bharani
September 12 – Shashthi Shradh
September 13 – Saptami Shradh
September 14 – Ashtami Shradh
September 15 – Navami Shradh
September 16 – Dashami Shradh
September 17 – Ekadashi Shradh
September 18 – Dwadashi Shradh
September 19 – Trayodashi Shradh, Magha Shradh
September 20 – Chaturdashi Shradh
September 21 – Sarvapitri Amavasya Shradh
What is the belief of Pitru Paksha
According to ancient Hindu beliefs, remembering the ancestors and performing worship rituals during Pitru Paksha is considered extremely virtuous. By doing this, the ancestors are pleased and also remove many kinds of problems in the life of the natives. In the Shraadh Paksha, these tasks are usually performed through three main deeds:
Pinddan – Pind is offered for the peace of the souls of the ancestors.
Tarpan – Offering water and performingthe Tarpan of the ancestors.
Brahman Bhoj – Feeding Brahmins and giving donations.