Shradh, known as Pitru Paksha in Hindu tradition, is a time to honour and remember our ancestors. It's a period when families come together to pay homage to their departed loved ones. The word 'Shradh' comes from Sanskrit and means devotion or faith. Shradh is not just a ritual; it's a profound act of reverence and spiritual duty. It's believed that the souls of the deceased need sustenance and prayers to find peace and liberation in the afterlife. Shradh is a way to fulfill one's duty towards ancestors and seek their blessings for the prosperity and well-being of the family.
Shradh, also known as Pitru Paksha, is a sacred period dedicated to honoring and offering prayers to one’s ancestors. In 2025, Shradh will commence on Sunday, September 7th, and conclude on Sunday, September 21st. This fortnight, observed during the waning phase of the moon in the month of Ashwina, holds deep spiritual significance in Sanatan Dharma.
During Pitru Paksha, families perform tarpan, pind daan, and rituals to seek blessings from their forefathers, express gratitude, and ensure peace for the departed souls. The observances are aligned with the lunar calendar, making each day significant for those who lost relatives on corresponding tithis.
- September 7, 2025 – Purnima Shraddha (Bhadrapada, Shukla Purnima)
- September 8, 2025 – Pratipada Shraddha (Ashwina, Krishna Pratipada)
- September 9, 2025 – Dwitiya Shraddha (Ashwina, Krishna Dwitiya)
- September 10, 2025 – Tritiya Shraddha (Ashwina, Krishna Tritiya)
- September 21, 2025 – Sarva Pitru Amavasya (Ashwina, Krishna Amavasya)
The most important day of Pitru Paksha is Sarva Pitru Amavasya, which falls on September 21, 2025. This day is considered the most auspicious for performing Shradh for all ancestors, regardless of their individual tithi of passing. It is believed that offering prayers on this day grants moksha (liberation) to the departed souls and brings prosperity to the family.
During this time, many also choose to visit Gaya, Haridwar, Prayagraj, or Kashi, which are considered highly sacred places for performing Shradh rites. Abstinence from tamasic food, charity, and feeding Brahmins, cows, and the needy are also practiced as part of the rituals.
As Shradh approaches in 2025, it serves as a time for reflection, remembrance, and reverence for those who came before us, reinforcing the cycle of karma and duty towards our lineage.
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Shradh is performed annually to honor and remember our ancestors. According to Hindu beliefs, the souls of the departed relatives need to be appeased to attain peace and liberation. Performing Shradh ensures that the ancestors receive offerings and prayers, which helps them in their journey to the afterlife. It's also a way for the living to fulfill their dharma (duty) towards their forebears. The concept of 'dharma' here refers to the moral and spiritual obligations towards one's ancestors, which includes remembering them, seeking their blessings, and ensuring their well-being in the afterlife. This sense of duty and respect towards our ancestors is vital to the Shradh tradition.
The rituals performed during Shradh are deeply rooted in Hindu tradition and hold significant spiritual and cultural meaning. Each ritual is designed to honor deceased ancestors and provide them with the spiritual sustenance they need for their journey in the afterlife. These rituals are not mere actions but profound expressions of our reverence and duty towards our forebears.
Tarpan is a vital ritual in the Shradh observance, offering water mixed with sesame seeds (til) and barley (jau) to the ancestors. This ritual is performed to appease the souls of the departed and ensure they receive the nourishment they need.
Pind Daan is another crucial ritual during Shradh, where rice balls, known as pindas, are offered to the departed souls. These pindas symbolize food and sustenance for the ancestors, representing the essential nourishment for their journey in the afterlife.
Hosting a meal for Brahmins, or priests, is a traditional practice during Shradh. This feast involves preparing and serving a special meal to Brahmins and distributing food to people in need.
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Ashtami Shradh in 2024 falls on September 23rd, marking an important day within the Shradh or Pitru Paksha period. This day is dedicated explicitly to performing rituals for ancestors believed to have passed away on the eighth day of the lunar month in previous years.
The last Shradh, also known as Antim Shradh, is the final ritual performed during the Shradh period, typically observed on the 15th day. This day marks the conclusion of the Shradh rituals and holds profound significance in Hindu tradition.
Ekadashi Shradh occurs on the 11th day of the Shradh period and is considered particularly significant within this timeframe.
Visiting temples during Shradh is generally allowed, but there are specific guidelines. It is advisable to check with local customs and traditions. Some families prefer to avoid temple visits during this period as the focus is on performing ancestral rites at home.
Traditionally, Shradh rituals were primarily performed by sons. However, in modern times, daughters can also perform these rites. Many families now recognize daughters' role in maintaining family traditions and performing Shradh rituals.
- Perform Rituals: Ensure all rituals are performed with devotion and according to traditional practices.
- Offer Donations: Make charitable donations and help those in need.
- Maintain Respect: Observe a respectful and contemplative attitude throughout the period.
- Avoid Indulgence: Refrain from indulgent behaviors and celebrations.
- Do Not Neglect Rituals: Ensure no rituals are missed, as each is important to the ancestors.
- Avoid Disputes: Maintain harmony and avoid disputes within the family.
- Avoiding Festivities: Celebrations and joyous events are generally avoided during Shradh.
- Refrain from Consuming Non-Vegetarian Food: Many families abstain from non-vegetarian food during Shradh.
- Avoiding Alcohol Consumption: Alcohol is typically avoided during Shradh.
- Avoiding New Purchases or Major Life Events: It is considered inauspicious to make significant purchases or hold major life events during Shradh.
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Shradh and Pitru Paksha are profound traditions that offer a way to honor and remember our ancestors. Families fulfill their spiritual duties and strengthen their cultural bonds by performing these rituals with faith and devotion. Understanding these practices' significance and proper observance can enrich the experience and provide peace of mind.
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