Shraddh Paksha 2025 Dates, Significance & Pitru Paksha Rituals
- Pandit Vishal Dwivedi
- Aug 24
- 6 min read
Shraddh Paksha 2025 is an important period in Hindu tradition dedicated to remembering and honoring our ancestors. Also known as Pitru Paksha, It is not a time of celebration, but rather a period of gratitude and respect for those who came before us. During this period, families perform rituals and prayers to seek blessings and peace for their departed loved ones. As we approach Shraddh Paksha 2025 dates, it becomes essential to understand the importance of Shraddh rituals and the overall Shraddh Paksha 2025 significance. According to belief, this is the time when the souls of ancestors visit the earth to accept offerings from their descendants. Performing these rituals with sincerity is said to bring blessings, harmony, and prosperity to the family.
Shraddh Paksha 2025 Dates: The Sacred Calendar
Shraddh Paksha is a a 16-day lunar period that begins on the Purnima (Full Moon day) of the Bhadrapada month and concludes on the Amavasya (New Moon day) of the Ashwin month, according to the Hindu lunar calendar. For those planning to perform the rituals, marking these dates is crucial.
Here are the specific Shraddh Paksha 2025 dates:
Purnima Shraddh - 07 September - For those who passed away on a Purnima Tithi.
Pratipada Shraddh - 08 September - For those who passed away on a Pratipada Tithi.
Dwitiya Shraddh - 09 September - For those who passed away on a Dwitiya Tithi.
Tritiya/Chaturthi Shraddh - 10 September - For those who passed away on these Tithis.
Bharani/Panchami Shraddh - 11 September - For those who passed away on Panchami Tithi.
Shashthi Shraddh - 12 September - For those who passed away on a Shashthi Tithi.
Saptami Shraddh - 13 September - For those who passed away on a Saptami Tithi.
Ashtami Shraddh - 14 September - For those who passed away on an Ashtami Tithi.
Navami Shraddh - 15 September - For married women, mothers, and female ancestors.
Dashami Shraddh - 16 September - For those who passed away on a Dashami Tithi.
Ekadashi Shraddh - 17 September - For those who passed away on an Ekadashi Tithi.
Dwadashi Shraddh - 18 September - For ascetics, saints (Sanyasis).
Trayodashi Shraddh - 19 September - For deceased children.
Chaturdashi Shraddh - 20 September - For those who died a sudden, accidental, or violent death.
Sarva Pitru Amavasya Shraddh - 21 September - For all ancestors, especially if the Tithi is unknown.
Note: Sometimes, two tithis can fall on the same solar day. It is always advisable to consult a local Panchang or priest for the exact timing.
Unveiling the Shraddh Paksha 2025 Significance
Why is this period held in such high reverence? The Shraddh Paksha 2025 significance is multi-layered, connecting the spiritual, familial, and personal aspects of our lives.
1. Clearing the Karmic Debt (Pitru Rin): Hindu scriptures speak of three primary debts that one is born with: Deva Rin (debt to Gods), Rishi Rin (debt to sages), and Pitru Rin (debt to ancestors). Shraddh Paksha is the prime opportunity to repay our debt to the ancestors who gave us life and lineage. By performing these rituals, we express our gratitude and seek their forgiveness for any unfulfilled duties.
2. Peace and Liberation for Ancestors: It is believed that the souls of the immediate past three generations of our ancestors reside in a realm called Pitru Loka. The rituals of Tarpan and Pind Daan provide them with spiritual nourishment, helping them find peace, satisfaction, and a path towards Moksha (liberation).
3. Receiving Ancestral Blessings: When our ancestors are content, they bestow their blessings upon their descendants. These blessings are believed to bring health, wealth, prosperity, and harmony to the family, while also mitigating the effects of 'Pitru Dosha' (ancestral afflictions) in one's horoscope.
4. A Time for Family and Reflection: Shraddh Paksha brings families together to remember their shared heritage. It’s a time to share stories of grandparents and great-grandparents with the younger generation, reinforcing family values and a sense of belonging.
The Importance of Shraddh Rituals: Key Practices
The ceremonies performed during Pitru Paksha are not just mechanical acts but are imbued with deep meaning. The importance of Shraddh rituals lies in the faith and devotion (`shraddha`) with which they are performed.
Tarpan: This is the sacred offering of water mixed with black sesame seeds (`til`), kush grass, and flowers. Performed daily during Shraddh Paksha, it is believed to quench the thirst of the ancestral souls. The eldest son typically performs this while facing south, the direction associated with Lord Yama and the ancestral realm.
Pind Daan: This is the most significant ritual. `Pindas` are rice balls made from cooked rice, barley flour, ghee, and black sesame seeds. They are offered as a symbolic representation of the physical body to the ancestors. Three `Pindas` are typically offered – to the father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
Brahmin Bhoj: Inviting and feeding learned Brahmins is a cornerstone of Shraddh. The Brahmins are seen as representatives of the ancestors, and the food they consume is believed to symbolically reach the ancestors. After the meal, the host offers clothes (`vastra`), money (`dakshina`), and other items as per their capacity.
Feeding Animals and the Needy: A portion of the specially prepared food is also offered to a crow (believed to be a messenger of Yama), a cow (revered as sacred), and a dog. Feeding the poor and needy is also considered a vital part of the ritual, embodying the spirit of charity and compassion.
Dos and Don'ts During Shraddh Paksha 2025
To maintain the sanctity of this period, certain guidelines are traditionally followed:
Do: Perform rituals with a pure heart, eat simple, sattvic (vegetarian) food, and practice celibacy.
Don't: Avoid starting new ventures, making large purchases (like a new home or vehicle), getting haircuts, or indulging in celebrations. The focus should remain on remembrance and spirituality.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: When does Shraddh Paksha 2025 start and end?
The Shraddh Paksha 2025 dates begin on Sunday, September 7, 2025, and conclude on Sunday, September 21, 2025, with Sarva Pitru Amavasya.
Q2: What if I don't know the exact death tithi of an ancestor?
If the specific lunar day (tithi) of an ancestor's passing is unknown, the rituals for them can be performed on Sarva Pitru Amavasya. This day is dedicated to all forefathers, making it the perfect occasion to honour anyone you may have missed.
Q3: Who is eligible to perform the Shraddh ceremony?
Traditionally, the eldest son performs the Shraddh. However, in his absence, a younger son, a grandson, or even a son-in-law can perform the rituals. The core requirement is to be a direct male descendant of the paternal lineage.
Q4: Can women perform Shraddh?
While traditionally performed by men, many modern interpretations and some scriptures allow women to perform Shraddh, especially if there are no male heirs. The focus is on the heartfelt offering, which transcends gender.
Q5: Can I book Shraddh or Pind Daan services online for Shraddh Paksha 2025?
Yes. You can easily book Pind Daan and other rituals during the Shraddh Paksha 2025 dates through trusted platforms like MahaTarpan, which ensures proper Vedic rituals with experienced priests.
Q6: How is Shraddh Paksha 2025 connected to moksha?
Scriptures say that performing Shraddh rituals helps ancestors move closer to liberation (moksha). The Shraddh Paksha 2025 significance lies in balancing karmic debts and ensuring peace for souls.
Q7: Is Shraddh Paksha 2025 important if someone’s parents are alive?
Yes. Even if parents are alive, Shraddh can be performed for forefathers of previous generations. The importance of Shraddh rituals is not limited to immediate parents; it honors the entire lineage.
Q8: Do I need to fast during Shraddh Paksha 2025?
Fasting is not mandatory, but simplicity and sattvic (pure) food are encouraged during Shraddh Paksha 2025 dates. Families usually avoid non-vegetarian food and alcohol during this sacred period.
Q9. Can services be booked online?
Yes, many platforms like MahaTarpan and pilgrimage centers in Gaya, Varanasi, and Prayagraj allow booking of Shraddh and Pind Daan services online for convenience.
Our View:
Shraddh Paksha 2025 is a reminder that we are all connected to our roots and ancestors. It is a time to slow down, reflect, and express gratitude to those who made our life possible. By following the Shraddh Paksha 2025 dates and performing the right rituals, families can honor their ancestors and seek blessings for peace, prosperity, and harmony. This period is not just a ritual but an act of love, respect, and remembrance, building a strong bond between the past, present, and future. If you wish to perform Pind Daan or other Shraddh rituals during this sacred time, book your services easily through MahaTarpan and ensure everything is done with devotion and authenticity.
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