Pitru Paksha, also known as Shraddha Paksha or Mahalaya Paksha, is 16 days in the Hindu calendar dedicated to paying homage to the ancestors, or Pitrus. It usually falls in the month of Bhadrapada (September–October), starting on the Purnima and ending on the Amavasya. During this time, Hindus do Shraddha, Tarpan and Pind Daan to honour their Pitrus.
In the Garuda Purana, during Pitru Paksha, you should do Shraddha, Tarpan and Pind Daan for your ancestors with devotion. You should also worship three trees or plants. This makes your ancestors happy, gives you their blessings and brings peace to their souls.
Pitru Paksha Puja Vidhi
Before Pitru Paksha starts, you should arrange unbroken rice (akshat), black sesame seeds, white flowers, barley, and kusa grass for the Tarpan. On the first day of Pitru Paksha, take a bath and wear clean clothes. Keep all the Tarpan materials with you. Then, you should do Tarpan in this order: first for the Gods (Dev Tarpan), then Rishi Tarpan, next Manav Tarpan and finally for your ancestors, Pitru Tarpan.
Significance of Pitru Paksha Puja
Pitru Paksha Puja is very important, as it gives peace and salvation to our ancestors. Doing this puja removes Pitru Dosha and brings blessings for health, wealth and success. It also connects us with our family roots and makes the bond between generations stronger. This puja helps in solving problems related to marriage, children and money, bringing happiness and prosperity to the family.
Rituals Performed During Pitru Paksha
The main rituals of Pitru Paksha are performed with devotion to honour ancestors and seek their blessings. These include Shraddha, Tarpan, Pind Daan, Brahmin Bhojan and Daan.
Important Dates for Pitru Paksha 2025
Here are the important dates of Pitru Paksha 2025 to help you plan rituals and pay respect to ancestors.
- Start Date: 7th September 2025 (Purnima Shraddha)
- End Date: 21st September 2025 (Sarvapitru Amavasya)
The Sarvapitru Amavasya (last day) is considered the most significant, as rituals performed on this day reach all ancestors, even if their exact tithi is unknown.
Things to Keep in Mind During Pitru Paksha Puja
During Pitru Paksha, follow these simple guidelines while doing puja
- Keep your mind and surroundings clean. Eat only pure vegetarian food and avoid meat, onion, garlic and alcohol.
- While praying, think of your ancestors, say their names and ask for their blessings. This makes them happy and brings peace to their souls.
- The northeast corner of the house is best for puja. If not possible, choose any clean and sacred place.
- Along with puja, doing Shraddha and Tarpan is very important, as these are the main rituals of Pitru Paksha.
Best Places for Pitru Paksha Puja in India
Here are some of the best places in India where you can perform Pitru Paksha Puja.
- Gaya (Bihar) – The most sacred place for Pitru Paksha rituals, especially Pind Daan.
- Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh) – Popular for Shraddha and Tarpan Puja.
- Haridwar & Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh) – Ganga puja for ancestor peace.
- Rameswaram (Tamil Nadu) – Special Shraddha pujas near sea shores.
- Nashik & Trimbakeshwar (Maharashtra) – Known for Pitru Dosha Nivaran Puja.
- Gokarna (Karnataka) – Famous for Moksha rituals.
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