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Pitru Paksha 2025: Dates, Timings, Rituals, Calendar and Spiritual Significance
Pitru Paksha 2025 : Pitru Paksha 2025 is a highly significant period in the Hindu calendar, dedicated to paying homage to ancestors through rituals like Shraddha and Tarpan. Spanning 16 days, this period is also known as Sorah Shradh, Mahalaya, Apara Paksha, and Pitru Paksha. Hindus believe that during these days, the souls of departed ancestors (Pitrs) descend to earth to bless their descendants when rituals are performed with devotion.
Unlike other Hindu festivals, Pitru Paksha is considered inauspicious for new beginnings such as marriages, housewarming, or buying property, since the focus lies on remembrance and spiritual offerings for the deceased. Yet, it is one of the most spiritually powerful times of the year.
Pitru Paksha 2025: Start and End Dates
According to the Hindu Panchang, Pitru Paksha 2025 will begin on September 7, 2025 (Sunday) and conclude on September 21, 2025 (Sunday) with Sarvapitre Amavasya (Mahalaya Amavasya).
Important Dates at a Glance:
- Pitru Paksha Start Date: September 7, 2025
- Pitru Paksha End Date: September 21, 2025
- Sarvapitri Amavasya (Mahalaya Amavasya): September 21, 2025
Pitru Paksha falls during the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon) of the Bhadrapada month in the Hindu lunar calendar. In southern and western India, it comes right after Ganesh Utsav. Astrologically, it coincides with Dakshinayan, when the Sun moves southward, symbolizing a period of spiritual transition.
Pitru Paksha 2025: Complete Shraddha Tithi Calendar
Each day of Pitru Paksha is dedicated to specific ancestors depending on their death Tithi (lunar date). Below is the Shraddha calendar for 2025:
- September 7: Purnima Shraddha
- September 8: Pratipada Shraddha
- September 9: Dwitiya Shraddha
- September 10: Tritiya Shraddha
- September 11: Chaturthi Shraddha
- September 12: Panchami Shraddha
- September 13: Shashthi Shraddha
- September 14: Saptami Shraddha
- September 15: Ashtami Shraddha
- September 16: Navami Shraddha
- September 17: Dashami Shraddha
- September 18: Ekadashi Shraddha
- September 19: Dwadashi Shraddha
- September 20: Trayodashi Shraddha
- September 21: Sarvapitri Amavasya (Mahalaya Amavasya)
ЁЯСЙ Those who do not know the exact Tithi of their ancestorsтАЩ death can perform Shraddha on Sarvapitre Amavasya, considered the most important day of Pitru Paksha.
Rituals of Pitru Paksha
The rituals of Pitru Paksha are sacred acts performed with devotion. They include:
- Purification Bath: The ritual performer, generally the eldest son, begins with a holy bath.
- Shraddha Puja: Special food, including rice, lentils, vegetables, and kheer, is cooked and offered to Brahmins.
- Tarpan: Water mixed with black sesame seeds, barley, and kusha grass is offered to ancestors while chanting mantras.
- Charity (Daan): Donating food, clothes, and feeding animals like cows, dogs, and crows is considered highly auspicious.
Regional Importance of Pitru Paksha
- Gaya, Bihar: The most sacred site for Pitru rituals. Performing Pind Daan at the Vishnupad Temple and Falgu River is believed to liberate souls from the cycle of rebirth.
- Varanasi & Prayagraj (North India): Devotees gather on the ghats of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers for Shraddha rituals.
- Southern & Western India: Observed after Ganesh Utsav with rituals at temples and riverbanks.
- Odisha & Bengal: Known as Mahalaya, marking the beginning of Durga Puja celebrations after offering homage to ancestors.
Spiritual Importance of Pitru Paksha
The concept of Pitru Rin (ancestral debt) is central to Hindu philosophy. It signifies the eternal obligation of descendants to their forefathers. By performing Shraddha and Tarpan:
- Ancestors attain peace and liberation.
- Families receive blessings for health, prosperity, and happiness.
- The bond between generations is spiritually strengthened.
Although it is considered inauspicious for worldly celebrations, Pitru Paksha is one of the most sacred and spiritually elevating observances in Hinduism.
Conclusion
Pitru Paksha 2025 will be observed from September 7 to September 21. This period gives Hindus a chance to express gratitude to their ancestors through Shraddha, Tarpan, and charitable deeds. By honoring the departed, families not only uphold age-old traditions but also invite divine blessings into their lives.
If you are unable to perform the rituals on the exact Tithi, Sarvapitri Amavasya (September 21, 2025) is considered the most powerful day to perform Shraddha for all ancestors.
Pitru Paksha is not just about rituals; it is a reminder that our existence is deeply connected to our roots, and remembering our ancestors keeps that bond alive across generations.
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