India’s culture has always been deeply rooted in faith, rituals, and timeless traditions. Every festival, every custom carries a story, and among them, Pitru Paksha holds a very sacred place. This fortnight is believed to be the time when the souls of our ancestors visit the earth to receive offerings from their descendants. Honouring them is not just a ritual, but a way of acknowledging our roots and keeping the chain of dharma alive.

“पितॄणां मातृणां देवानां च नमः।”
This mantra, often recited during shraadh, means “Salutations to the ancestors, mothers, and divine forces.” It reminds us that those who came before us continue to guide our path in unseen ways.

The Shraddh 2025 has already started, and devotees across India are performing daily rituals, tarpan, and pooja with devotion. Each day of Pitru Paksha 2025 carries its own meaning, and together they form a bridge between the living and the departed.

So, as this sacred fortnight unfolds, here is a complete guide that brings together the understanding of all rituals. By the end of this guide, you will understand not just when shraddh rites are performed, but the deeper reasons why they hold such timeless importance.

What Is Pitru Paksha?

Pitru Paksha is a sacred 16-day period in the Hindu lunar calendar, dedicated to honoring ancestors through offerings and pitru paksha shradh rituals. In 2025, this spiritual window began in India on Sunday, September 7, and the last day of shradh 2025 is on September 21, marked by Sarva Pitru Amavasya or Mahalaya Amavasya. The name itself, pitru (ancestors) and paksha (fortnight), reflects its purpose: to remember forebears and repay the deep-rooted ancestral debt.

From Mahabharata to Modern Times: The Spiritual Debt Repaid in Pitru Paksha

According to Hindu belief, every individual carries three cosmic debts (Rin): one to the gods (Dev Rin), one to sages (Rishi Rin), and one to ancestors (Pitru Rin). Of these, Pitru Rin can only be honored through dedicated rituals performed during Pitru Paksha, such as Shraddh, Pind Daan, and Tarpan.

The practice has deep roots in ancient scriptures. The Garuda Purana emphasizes that Shradh and Tarpan performed during Pitru Paksha help the souls of ancestors attain peace and, in return, they bless their descendants with prosperity and well-being. Similarly, the Mahabharata narrates the story of Karna, who was denied food in the afterlife because he had never offered Shraddh to his forefathers. It was only after he was allowed to return to earth for sixteen days to perform the rites that his ancestors were satisfied. This legend is often cited as the origin of Pitru Paksha.

For Hindus, Pitru Paksha is not just a ritualistic duty but a spiritual obligation. It is believed that during this fortnight, the departed souls come closer to the earthly realm to accept offerings such as pind daan (rice balls), tarpan (libations of water), and food. Fulfilling these rites ensures peace for the ancestors and brings blessings to the family lineage.

Pitru Paksha 2025 Dates & Tithi Table

Date	Tithi (Lunar Day)	Ancestor Honored	Note
Sep 7, 2025	Purnima (Full Moon)	All ancestors	Marks the start of Pitru Paksha
Sep 8, 2025	Pratipada	Father (Paternal)	First day of Shraddh rituals
Sep 9, 2025	Dwitiya	Father (Maternal)	Second day of Shraddh rituals
Sep 10, 2025	Tritiya	Grandfather (Paternal)	Third day of Shraddh rituals
Sep 11, 2025	Chaturthi	Grandfather (Maternal)	Fourth day of Shraddh rituals
Sep 12, 2025	Panchami	Great-Grandfather (Paternal)	Fifth day of Shradh rituals
Sep 13, 2025	Shashthi	Great-Grandfather (Maternal)	Sixth day of Shradh rituals
Sep 14, 2025	Saptami	Uncles (Paternal)	Seventh day of Shradh rituals
Sep 15, 2025	Ashtami	Uncles (Maternal)	Eighth day of Shradh rituals
Sep 16, 2025	Navami	Aunts (Paternal)	Ninth day of Shradh rituals
Sep 17, 2025	Dashami	Aunts (Maternal)	Tenth day of Shradh rituals
Sep 18, 2025	Ekadashi	Brothers (Paternal)	Eleventh day of Shradh rituals
Sep 19, 2025	Dwadashi	Brothers (Maternal)	Twelfth day of Shradh rituals
Sep 20, 2025	Chaturdashi	Sisters (Paternal)	Thirteenth day of Shradh rituals
Sep 21, 2025	Amavasya (New Moon)	All ancestors	Sarva Pitru Amavasya (Mahalaya)

Major Rituals & Procedures

Pitru Paksha centres on a set of rituals meant to honour ancestors, ease any pitru-rin (ancestral debt), and invite blessings for the living. The core observances are Shraddha, Tarpan, Pinda Daan (Pind Daan), Brahmin bhojan and feeding cows, dogs and crows. These rites can be performed at home or at sacred sites such as Gaya, Trimbakeshwar, Varanasi and other pilgrimage tirthas; many families prefer a home ritual when travel or circumstances make a pilgrimage difficult. The 2025 Pitru Paksha runs from September 7 to September 21, so these ceremonies are being observed now across India.

Who should perform these rituals?

Traditionally, the duty to perform Shraddha and related rites falls on the male descendants of the family line, most commonly the eldest son. If there is no son, a grandson, brother, son-in-law or a qualified priest may perform the rites. Tripindi Shradh, an important formal ceremony that covers three generations, is normally performed by the direct male line or arranged through a priest at a sacred tirtha. However, modern practice accommodates daughters, daughters-in-law or other descendants performing Shraddha when necessary, especially where no male heir is available.

Essential Samagri: What to Prepare For Puja?

Prepare the samagri the night before. Common items used across regions:

• Cooked rice and roasted barley (jau)
• Black sesame seeds (kala tila) and white sesame (til)
• Ghee (clarified butter)
• Cow’s milk, water and sugar (optional)
• Kusha/darbha grass or a clean banana leaf to place pindas on
• Flowers, akshat (uncooked rice mixed with turmeric), incense and a lamp (diya)
• A clean vessel for Tarpan, spoon (chamcha), and a small clay or copper pot (lotā)
• Food offerings for Brahmins: sattvic cooked meals (no onion, garlic)
• Photograph or nameplate of the departed (if available)
• Wooden or banana-leaf plates for feeding crows/dogs/cows (or simply grains and water).

Shraadh Rituals Performed During Pitru Paksha

During Pitru Paksha, families perform sacred shraadh rituals to honour their ancestors and seek their blessings. These age-old rites are seen as a spiritual duty, helping the departed souls find peace while bringing harmony to the living lineage. The main pitru paksha pooja rituals include:

Shraddha

This is the central ritual of Pitru Paksha, performed on the ancestor’s death tithi or on designated days. The performer bathes, cleans the puja area, and sits on kusha grass facing south. After taking a sankalp, they offer rice-and-sesame pindas on banana leaves, place sattvic food nearby, and end by feeding Brahmins or the poor. This ritual helps repay Pitru Rin and invites ancestral blessings.

Pinda Daan

Pinda Daan symbolises offering nourishment to ancestors. Pindas are made from cooked rice, black sesame, and ghee, then placed on kusa grass or banana leaves in lineage order. While chanting mantras, each pinda is offered to specific forefathers, followed by sprinkling water and reciting a Shanti Path. This simple act is a vital part of pitru paksha shradh rituals, performed either at home or at sacred sites like Gaya.

Tarpan Vidhi

Tarpan Vidhi is a water offering to ancestors, performed facing south while seated on kusa grass. Water mixed with black sesame is offered from cupped palms while reciting Tarpan mantras for Devas, Rishis, and Pitris. It ends with a prayer seeking their peace and blessings. This easy yet powerful Pitru Paksha Pooja can be done daily during the fortnight, especially on Mahalaya Amavasya.

Tripindi Shradh

Tripindi Shradh is performed for three generations of ancestors, especially if Shraddha was missed for several years. It includes multiple pinda offerings, mantra chanting, and sometimes a small havan or yajna. Usually done under priestly guidance at sacred sites like Trimbakeshwar or Gaya, this ritual helps resolve ancestral doshas and grants peace to the departed. It is considered one of the most potent rites of Pitru Paksha.

Brahmin Bhojan & Feeding Animals

Serving sattvic meals to Brahmins is a traditional end to shraadh rituals. If Brahmins are unavailable, families offer food to the poor. Feeding animals is equally symbolic, crows and dogs are believed to carry offerings to ancestors, while feeding cows brings merit. These acts reflect the spirit of Pitru Paksha: sharing food and blessings in memory of departed souls.

Do’s and Don’ts During Pitru Paksha

Alongside performing pitru paksha shradh rituals, there are certain do’s and don’ts that help ensure your offerings are effective and your ancestors’ blessings are received.

Do’s

Offer food sincerely: Always prepare sattvic meals and offer them with devotion, either to Brahmins, the needy, or symbolic pindas. The focus should be on purity and intention rather than grandeur.
Perform rituals on correct tithi: Ensure that you observe Shraddha or Tarpan on the precise lunar day; timing matters for the ancestors to accept the offerings.
Feed animals and birds: Feeding cows, dogs, and crows is considered auspicious and adds merit to your Pitru Paksha pooja.
Maintain cleanliness: Both personal hygiene and a clean ritual space are essential. Ancestors are honoured when rituals are performed with respect and discipline.

Don’ts

Avoid indulgence in luxuries or celebrations: Pitru Paksha is a solemn period; loud parties, alcohol, or heavy celebrations are discouraged.
Don’t ignore the tithi: Skipping the correct lunar day or delaying rituals can reduce their spiritual effect.
Avoid non-vegetarian food: Meals for ancestors and Brahmins should be sattvic; avoid onion, garlic, or meat during this period.
Don’t neglect intention: Performing rituals mechanically without understanding or devotion diminishes their impact.

Where and How to Perform Shraadh in 2025?

During Pitru Paksha 2025, many families choose to perform shraadh rituals at home, while others prefer sacred pilgrimage sites to maximise the spiritual benefits. Some of the most revered locations include:

Gaya, Bihar

Gaya is revered as the place where Lord Rama performed Pind Daan for his father, King Dasharatha, ensuring his soul's peace. This act of filial devotion underscores Gaya's significance in Hindu tradition. Pilgrims from around the world visit Gaya to perform Pind Daan, believing it aids in liberating the souls of their ancestors and themselves.

Haridwar, Uttarakhand

It is believed that performing Pitru Paksha rituals here purifies the soul and helps in attaining moksha. The city's sanctity is enhanced by the presence of numerous temples and the eternal flow of the Ganges.

Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Varanasi, also known as Kashi, is one of the oldest living cities in the world. It holds immense significance for performing Pitru Paksha rituals, as it is believed to liberate the souls of ancestors. The city's spiritual ambience, with its ghats and temples, provides a serene setting for these sacred rites.

Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh

Prayagraj, the meeting point of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers, is considered a powerful site for performing Pitru Paksha rituals. It is believed that offering Pind Daan here can help in the salvation of ancestors' souls. The city's rich history and religious importance make it a preferred destination for pilgrims.

Tips for Choosing Where to Perform Shraadh

Home Puja: Ideal if travel isn’t possible. Ensure a clean, quiet space, gather all essential Pitru Paksha pooja items, and follow proper Tarpan Vidhi and Shraddha procedures.
Temple or Shrine: Opt for smaller local temples or pilgrimage centres if you cannot reach major tirthas. Advance bookings are recommended at places like Gaya and Trimbakeshwar to perform Tripindi Shradh.
Timing Matters: Whether at home or at a shrine, perform the rituals on the correct lunar tithi to ensure ancestors receive the offerings and blessings are returned to the family.

Pitru Paksha 2025 is a chance to honour our ancestors, reflect on our roots, and perform shraadh rituals with sincerity. From offering pindas and performing Tarpan Vidhi to observing Tripindi Shradh, each act holds spiritual significance, bringing peace to departed souls and blessings to the living. Whether at home or at sacred pilgrimage sites, devotion matters more than grandeur.

For personalised guidance, the Neo Astro app connects you with expert pandits who can suggest auspicious dates, mantras, and rituals. Make your Pitru Paksha pooja meaningful—download the app now to seek their advice and perform your offerings with clarity, devotion, and confidence.

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