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Pitru Paksha 2024: Significance, Rituals and Key Dates

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Pitru Paksha, also known as the Shradh period, is a 16-day Hindu observance where families honour their ancestors through rituals and offerings.

Pitru Paksha, a sacred period dedicated to paying homage to ancestors, began on Tuesday, September 17, 2024. According to the Hindu calendar, it starts on the Pratipada Tithi of Krishna Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada and spans 16 days, culminating on Mahalaya Amavasya, also referred to as Sarva Pitru Amavasya. This year, Pitru Paksha will conclude on October 2, 2024.

Hindus believe that during this time, the souls of deceased forefathers return to Earth and their descendants perform rituals to provide peace, sustenance and to seek their blessings. The Shradh ritual, central to Pitru Paksha, is performed with deep reverence as it is believed to offer comfort and relief to the souls in the afterlife. The Garuda Purana, a Hindu scripture, describes how Shradh helps alleviate the suffering of souls after death, granting them peace.

Pitru Paksha 2024 

  • Tuesday (September 17) – Purnima Shradh
  • Wednesday (September 18) – Pratipada Shradh
  • Thursday (September 19) – Dwitiya Shradh
  • Friday (September 20) – Tritiya Shradh
  • Saturday (September 21) – Chaturthi Shradh
  • Saturday (September 21) – Maha Bharani
  • Sunday (September 22) – Panchami Shradh
  • Monday (September 23) – Shashthi Shradh
  • Monday (September 23) – Saptami Shradh
  • Tuesday (September 24) – Ashtami Shradh
  • Wednesday (September 25) – Navami Shradh
  • Thursday (September 26) – Dashami Shradh
  • Friday (September 27) – Ekadashi Shradh
  • Sunday (September 29) – Dwadashi Shradh
  • Sunday (September 29) – Magha Shradh
  • Monday (September 30) – Trayodashi Shradh
  • Tuesday (October 1) – Chaturdashi Shradh 
  • Wednesday (October 2) -Sarva Pitru Amavasya

It is believed that the souls of the last three generations reside in Pitru Lok, a realm between Earth and Heaven governed by Yamraj, the god of death. To honour these souls, rituals include taking holy baths, wearing clean clothes, and placing the ancestors’ portraits facing the south.

The primary rituals during Pitru Paksha involve Pind Daan (offering of rice balls), Tarpan (offering water mixed with barley, black sesame, and kush), charity and food offerings. These acts, performed with sincerity, are thought to ensure the well-being of both the ancestors and their descendants.

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