Pitru Paksha, also known as Shradh or Mahalaya Paksha, is a 16-day period in the Hindu calendar dedicated to performing rituals for the deceased ancestors. During this time, Hindus honor their forefathers by offering prayers, food, and performing rituals to ensure their souls attain peace. In 2024, Pitru Paksha will begin on September 18 and conclude on October 2.
Significance of Pitru Paksha
Pitru Paksha is considered a time to express gratitude and respect to one’s ancestors. According to Hindu belief, during these 16 days, the souls of ancestors come down to the Earth to bless their descendants. Performing Shradh rituals during this period is believed to liberate the souls and help them attain salvation.
Important Dates and Specific Rituals for Each Day in 2024
- September 18, 2024 (Purnima Shradh)
- Ritual: Perform Shradh for those who died on a full moon day. Offer food, water, and prayers.
- September 19, 2024 (Pratipada Shradh)
- Ritual: This day is for those who passed away on the first lunar day (Pratipada). Food offerings are made along with tarpan (water offering).
- September 20, 2024 (Dwitiya Shradh)
- Ritual: Dedicated to those who passed on the second lunar day. Perform the Shradh with offerings of food, water, and prayers.
- September 21, 2024 (Tritiya Shradh)
- Ritual: Perform rituals for those who died on the third lunar day. Offer food, water, and prayers to ancestors.
- September 22, 2024 (Chaturthi Shradh)
- Ritual: For ancestors who died on the fourth lunar day. Special prayers and offerings of food are made.
- September 23, 2024 (Panchami Shradh)
- Ritual: This day is dedicated to those who passed away on the fifth lunar day. Perform Shradh rituals with offerings.
- September 24, 2024 (Shashti Shradh)
- Ritual: For those who passed away on the sixth lunar day. Rituals include food offerings and tarpan.
- September 25, 2024 (Saptami Shradh)
- Ritual: Perform Shradh for those who died on the seventh lunar day with offerings of food and water.
- September 26, 2024 (Ashtami Shradh)
- Ritual: This day is for those who passed on the eighth lunar day. Offer food, water, and prayers.
- September 27, 2024 (Navami Shradh)
- Ritual: Navami Shradh is for those who died on the ninth lunar day. Perform the rituals with devotion.
- September 28, 2024 (Dashami Shradh)
- Ritual: For those who passed away on the tenth lunar day. Perform Shradh and offer food.
- September 29, 2024 (Ekadashi Shradh)
- Ritual: Dedicated to those who passed on the eleventh lunar day. Perform the rituals with food offerings.
- September 30, 2024 (Dwadashi Shradh)
- Ritual: For ancestors who passed on the twelfth lunar day. Special rituals and food offerings are made.
- October 1, 2024 (Trayodashi Shradh)
- Ritual: This day is for those who passed away on the thirteenth lunar day. Offer food and water with prayers.
- October 2, 2024 (Chaturdashi Shradh and Amavasya Shradh)
- Ritual: Perform Shradh for those who died on the fourteenth lunar day and Amavasya (New Moon). This day is also considered Sarva Pitru Amavasya, where rituals can be done for all ancestors regardless of their death tithi.
Rituals During Pitru Paksha
- Tarpan: Offering water to the ancestors while reciting mantras.
- Pind Daan: Offering rice balls mixed with black sesame seeds, barley flour, and other sacred items.
- Feeding Brahmins: After performing Shradh, it is customary to feed Brahmins and the poor, as this is believed to please the ancestors.
Key Practices
- Vegetarian Diet: Those performing the rituals typically follow a strict vegetarian diet during Pitru Paksha.
- Offering Food to Crows: It is customary to offer food to crows, believed to be the messengers of the ancestors.
By following these rituals, one honors their ancestors and seeks their blessings for prosperity, health, and spiritual growth.
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