Pitru Paksha, revered as Shradh Paksha or Mahalaya Paksha, unfolds as one of the holiest seasons in the sacred rhythm of the Hindu calendar. Dedicated to honoring our ancestors (pitru), this fortnight is a time when we express gratitude and seek their blessings for prosperity, peace, and protection.
In 2025, Pitru Paksha carries deep spiritual importance as it falls under auspicious planetary alignments, making it a favorable time to connect with our ancestral roots.
📅 Pitru Paksha 2025 Dates
- Start Date: Sunday, 7 September 2025
- End Date: Sunday, 21 September 2025
- Duration: 15 days (Pratipada Tithi to Amavasya Tithi)
The last day, known as Sarva Pitru Amavasya (also called Mahalaya Amavasya), is considered the most significant. On this day, even if one does not know the exact tithi of their ancestors, Shradh can be performed for all departed souls.
🌌 Spiritual Significance of Pitru Paksha
According to Vedic scriptures, during this time the souls of our ancestors visit the earthly plane to receive offerings and blessings given by their descendants. The Garuda Purana and Mahabharata emphasize that honoring ancestors ensures:
- Removal of Pitru Dosha (ancestral karmic imbalance)
- Prosperity in family and lineage
- Good health and protection from obstacles
- Spiritual upliftment and blessings for moksha
A famous verse says:
“पितॄणां तारकं श्राद्धं, पुत्राणां जीवनं स्मृतम्।“
(Performing Shradh uplifts ancestors and ensures well-being of descendants).
🙏 Key Rituals of Pitru Paksha
To perform Shradh in Pitru Paksha is to walk the sacred path laid down by the Shastras, honoring ancestors through timeless rituals. These are traditionally done by the eldest son or a male family member, but in modern times, women also observe Shradh with devotion.
Main Rituals:
- Tarpan (Water Offering): Offering water mixed with black sesame seeds and barley to ancestors.
- Pind Daan: Rice balls mixed with ghee, honey, and sesame are offered for peace of departed souls.
- Shradh Bhojan: Feeding Brahmins, priests, or needy people is considered essential.
- Charity (Daan): Donating food, clothes, and money helps reduce Pitru Dosha.
- Silent Remembrance: Meditating and chanting mantras like “ॐ पितृभ्यो नमः” creates a spiritual connection.
🌿 Practical Do’s and Don’ts
Do’s
- Perform Shradh rituals during Kutup Muhurat (around midday).
- Offer food items like kheer, rice, dal, and seasonal fruits.
- Feed cows, crows, and dogs as they are considered messengers of ancestors.
- Reciting the Bhagavad Gita, especially the sacred verses of Chapter 15, Purushottam Yoga, becomes a light for the soul, lifting it toward higher realms.
Don’ts
- Delay starting new ventures, marriages or some new things, or even any celebrations during this period.
- Do not cut hair, shave, or buy new clothes.
- Avoid non-vegetarian food, alcohol, and tamasic habits.
🪔 Astrological Remedies During Pitru Paksha 2025
If a horoscope shows Pitru Dosha (ancestral affliction), Pitru Paksha is the best time to perform remedies. Common astrological solutions include:
- Mantra Japa: Chant Mahamrityunjaya Mantra or Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya.
- Light a Diya: Light a sesame oil lamp under a Peepal tree and pray for ancestors.
- Tulsi & Ganga Jal: Offer Tulsi leaves and Ganga Jal during Shradh to purify offerings.
- Donation: Donate white clothes, rice, ghee, and silver to Brahmins.
🌙 Sarva Pitru Amavasya 2025
- Date: Sunday, 21 September 2025
- Time (IST): Amavasya Tithi begins 07:29 AM (20 Sept) and ends 09:40 AM (21 Sept).
On this day, those who missed Shradh on earlier dates can perform rituals for all ancestors. It is the most potent day, when ancestral karmas melt away, and their blessings descend like a gentle rain upon the soul.
✨ Why Pitru Paksha Matters in Modern Life
In today’s fast-paced life, many people feel disconnected from their traditions. Pitru Paksha whispers the truth that our lives are woven with the unseen threads of countless generations, their blessings flowing silently through us. By honoring our forefathers, we not only heal family karmas but also create a smoother path for our future generations.
As the saying goes:
“Pitr̥ devo bhava” – Consider your ancestors as divine.
✅ Final Thought:
Pitru Paksha 2025 is a sacred opportunity to express gratitude, seek forgiveness, and dissolve karmic debts. By observing Shradh rituals with devotion and humility, you invite peace, prosperity, and divine protection into your life.
Q: What should I do if I don’t know the exact tithi (death date) of my ancestors?
A: If you are unsure of the exact tithi, you can perform Shradh on Sarva Pitru Amavasya (21 September 2025, Sunday). This day is specially meant for offering respects to all ancestors collectively. Even a simple ritual like offering water (tarpan) with black sesame seeds, lighting a diya under a Peepal tree, and feeding the poor or animals can bring blessings and reduce Pitru Dosha.
