Pitru Paksha, also known as Shraddha Paksha, Sorah Shraddha, Apara Paksha, or Mahalaya Paksha, is one of the most significant periods in the Hindu calendar. This 16-day observance is dedicated to paying respects to ancestors and seeking their blessings through various rituals such as Shradh, Tarpan, and Daan.
In 2025, Pitru Paksha will start on Sunday, September 7, 2025, and end on Sunday, September 21, 2025, with the special day of Sarvapitri Amavasya (Mahalaya Amavasya) being the final day of the period.
Pitru Paksha 2025: Start and End Dates
Pitru Paksha Start September 7, 2025
Pitru Paksha End September 21, 2025
Mahalaya Amavasya (Sarvapitri Amavasya) September 21, 2025
Significance of Pitru Paksha
According to Hindu beliefs, during Pitru Paksha, the souls of ancestors come to Earth to receive offerings from their descendants.
By performing Shradh rituals, families express their gratitude and help reduce the ancestral debt, known as Pitru Rin. It is believed that honoring ancestors during this time helps them attain moksha (liberation) and also brings peace, prosperity, and blessings to the family.
Pitru Paksha 2025 Shraddha Calendar (Tithi-wise)
Here are the important dates for performing Shradh in 2025:
• September 7, 2025 – Purnima Shraddh
• September 8, 2025 – Pratipada Shraddh
• September 9, 2025 – Dwitiya Shraddh
• September 10, 2025 – Tritiya Shraddh
• September 11, 2025 – Chaturthi Shraddh
• September 12, 2025 – Panchami Shraddh
• September 13, 2025 – Shashthi Shraddh
• September 14, 2025 – Saptami Shraddh
• September 15, 2025 – Ashtami Shraddh
• September 16, 2025 – Navami Shraddh
• September 17, 2025 – Dashami Shraddh
• September 18, 2025 – Ekadashi Shraddh
• September 19, 2025 – Dwadashi Shraddh
• September 20, 2025 – Trayodashi Shraddh
• September 21, 2025 – Chaturdashi Shraddh & Sarvapitri Amavasya
The last day, Sarvapitri Amavasya (Mahalaya Amavasya), is considered the most important day of Pitru Paksha.
Rituals of Pitru Paksha
The rituals of Pitru Paksha are simple yet deeply meaningful:
• Usually performed by the eldest son or a male family member.
• Rituals begin with a holy bath and prayer.
• Shradh meals, including rice, dal, vegetables, and kheer, are offered to Brahmins.
• Tarpan, involving the offering of water mixed with sesame seeds, is performed for the ancestors.
• Food is also given to cows, dogs, and crows, which is considered auspicious.
• Charity, like donating clothes, grains, or food, is an important part of the rituals.
Regional Observances
• In Gaya, Bihar: This place is considered the most sacred for performing Pitru Tarpan.
Thousands of devotees gather at the Ganga ghats.
• In Southern and Western India: The observance takes place after Ganesh Utsav, during the second half of Bhadrapada.
• In North India: Families perform Shradh rituals near rivers and at temples dedicated to ancestors.
Why Pitru Paksha is Important
Pitru Paksha is more than just a set of rituals; it is a time to remember our roots.
By offering Shradh and Tarpan, families express love, respect, and gratitude towards their ancestors.
While this period is considered inauspicious for starting new ventures such as weddings or housewarming, it is spiritually powerful and highly respected in Hindu tradition.
Pitru Paksha reminds us that life is a cycle, and our connection with ancestors is eternal.
As Pitru Paksha 2025 starts on September 7, take the time to honor your ancestors, perform rituals with devotion, and seek their blessings for peace and prosperity.
