Pitru Paksha is an important time period of 16 days in Hindu culture.

Pitru paksha
Pind Daan During Pitra Paksha, Source – Wikimedia Commons

Namaste!

Welcome to the world of divine and meaningful readings at www.onindianpath.com. Today, I am going to talk about Pitru Paksha in Hinduism.

Introduction

There is a room for everyone in Hindu mythology. Like Hinduism, forefathers are considered divine and protective angels in other cultures too. This 16 days long time is dedicated to the Shraddh of ancestors.

Moreover, it is also called shraddh and Kanagat at many places.

Key points of Pitru Paksha/Shraddh

a) The last day of Pitru Paksha is known as Mahalaya Amavasya ( October 2, 2024) which is considered the most significant day for performing these rituals. Pitra Amawasya, Pitra Moksha Amawasya are its other names. If by any chance, a Hindu misses performing Shraddh rituals on any tithi during shradh, it is said, that he should perform it on Kanagat Amawasya.

b) Hindus consider Pitru Paksha as the time of year to remember their passed away relatives and ancestors and pay respect to them through various rituals.

c) Hindus perform various rituals and ceremonies to offer food, water and prayers to their deceased ancestors.

d) Pitra Paksha, Pitru Paksha, Kanagat or Mahalaya Paksha, is a 16-day lunar period in the Hindu calendar( hindu panchang) in the month of Bhadrpada. As per Gregorian calender, it falls in the month of September-October. Literally speaking it falls in 2nd paksha of Bhadrpada of Vikram Samwat. It is dedicated to pay homage and honoring one’s ancestors or departed souls.

e) However, it is believed to help the souls of the late ancestors to find peace and liberation.

What is Shradh/Shraddh?

You must be wondering what is this shraddh? So, the answer is : the word ‘shradh’ is derived from the Hindi word ‘shraddha’, which literally means sincere faith. Also known as Kanagat.

What is the need of PitruPaksha/Shraddh?

The Bhagavad Gita teaches that the soul (Atma) is eternal and cannot be destroyed. However, while the Atma is indestructible, it is not all-powerful. It cannot choose which body to enter, nor can it leave and re-enter a body at will. The soul is seen as a form of energy, constantly seeking a body to dwell in. Some souls find a vessel, while others remain wandering in the vast realm of the spirits.

To bring peace and salvation to such wandering spirits, we observe Shraddh. During this sacred time, it is believed that the spirits of our ancestors descend from the spirit realm to Earth, seeking offerings and prayers for their journey toward liberation.

According to ancient texts, Shraddh rituals are offerings made on Earth for these wandering spirits. The essence of Shraddh is to sincerely express our gratitude and devotion to our ancestors, honoring their memory and seeking their blessings.

Vedas and puranas also mention pitra paksha amongst the 16 sanskaras.

Dates of Pitru Paksha 2024

Apparently pitru paksha will start from September 17, 2024 and ends on October 02, 2024.

According to the Hindu calendar, Pitru Paksha begins on 17 September, as the purnima(full moon) of Bhadrapada month starts at 11:44 am on that day and ends on 18 September at 8:04 am. This sacred period will continue until 2 October, with the new moon of Ashwin month beginning on 1 October at 9:39 pm and concluding on 3 October at 12:19 am.

  • Purnima Shraddh: 17 September 2024
  • Pratipada Shraddh: 18 September 2024
  • Dwitiya Shraddh:19 September 2024
  • Tritiya Shraddh: 20 September 2024
  • Chaturthi Shraddh: 21 September 2024
  • Panchami Shraddh: 22 September 2024
  • Shashthi and Saptami Shraddh: 23 September 2024(as per panchang)
  • Ashtami Shraddh: 24 September 2024( Mahalakshmi Vrat)
  • Navami Shraddh: 25 September 2024
  • Dashami Shraddh: 26 September 2024
  • Ekadashi Shraddh: 27 September 2024 (also Indira Ekadashi next day)
  • Dwadashi Shraddh: 29 September 2024
  • Trayodashi Shraddh: 30 September 2024
  • Chaturdashi Shraddh: 1 October 2024
  • Sarvpitra Amavasya: 2 October 2024

Significance of Pitru Paksha

Further, ancient text suggests that every Hindu is born with some kind of debt on him which he has to repay in his life time. One of them is a pitru reen which is loan to ancestor. Morever pitru Paksha is a time of the year where the person can repay that loan to his deceased relatives.

Furthermore, ancient texts suggest that there is a ‘in between realm’ between the spirit realm and real realm of Earth.

And, that is called pitraloka and 3 generation of a family tree resides in that Pitraloka. Also, it is stated in the holy books that during the 16 days of pitru Paksha the god of death Yama accepts the offerings made by the son of ancestors.

Hindu believe that it is inauspicious time of the year where they do not involve in any kind of auspicious and prosperous event like marriages, starting of a new business or a house warming party.

Key highlights of Shraddh/Pitra Paksha

Let’s read about other important aspects of Shraddh.

Karta of Pitru paksha

Firstly, the male member of the family performs all the important rituals of Sharad, is called the Karta.

Hinduism even allows a daughter to perform all the rituals of shraddh to perform on the last day that is Mahalaya amavasya.

Cleansing bath

Secondly, Karta has to take a purifying bath before performing the rituals of Shraddh. And he has to wear the traditional clothes. However wearing traditional clothes shows a sign of respect to the ancestors.

Brahman bhoj during Pitru Paksha

Thirdly, the Karta of the family invite a Brahmin to the house to perform the important rituals of Shraddh where he offers food, money, clothes, donation and Hospitality to the priest (Brahman).

Pind Daan

Specifically in many parts of the country and different geographical location the ritual of Pind Daan is performed in pitru paksha. Pind daan is done when the karta mixes seaseme seeds, rice and flour to make a pind out of it and offer it to the priest.

Tarpan at Pitru Paksha

Particularly Karta mixes milk, barley and gangajaal  with water to make ‘Tarpana’ which is presented to the gods every day throughout Pitra Paksha.

People also make traditional food items like kheer, poori etc on pitru paksha.

Hence, firstly the food is divided into 4 portions and offered to a cow, dog, crow and brahman on the specific tithi of the death of the ancestor.

However, Hindus also perform pind daan and tarpan at Gaya. You can read my blog on it.

Conclusion

Hereby, you must be aware of what pitru paksha is all about. Have a blessed day ahead.

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6 thoughts on “Pitru Paksha(Shraddh): Embracing the Powerful Emotions and Ancestral Bonds

    1. Ms. Rani,
      Generally, the women of the house prepare food for the ancestors and also take part in the Shraddh rituals. Particularly, Shraddh rituals for ancestors are performed by men only and it is believed among Hindus that the Tarpan and Pind Daan done by men is acceptable to the ancestors. But the sons and daughters-in-law also take part in the Shradh rituals of the ancestors and offer food to them. Apparently, if it is your mensturation time, indulge in prayers on the day. And wait for Mahalaya Amawasya to perform the rituals then.
      Thank you.
      Keep following us for more information.

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