Pitru Paksha is a sacred fortnight in the Hindu calendar dedicated to honoring our ancestors (Pitru). In 2025, this period will be observed from Sunday, September 7 to Sunday, September 21.

During these 15 days, Hindus perform Shradh rituals, Tarpan, and light diyas to offer peace to the souls of departed family members. Lighting a diya is not just symbolic, according to Vedic traditions, it creates a spiritual bridge between the living and the departed, inviting blessings, protection, and prosperity for the family.

📜 Significance of Lighting Diyas in Pitru Paksha

In the Garuda Purana and various Dharma Shastras, lighting a diya during Shradh is considered a satkarma (pious deed). The light is believed to:

  • Show the way to the ancestors’ souls

  • Bring peace to wandering spirits in the family lineage

  • Remove Pitru Dosha (ancestral karmic debts) from the Kundli

  • Invite blessings for health, prosperity, and harmony

As the Bhagavad Gita (9.26) says:
 “Patram pushpam phalam toyam yo me bhaktya prayacchati”
 — meaning even a simple offering made with devotion reaches the divine. The diya, too, when lit with faith, reaches our ancestors spiritually.

🕯 Where to Light Diyas for Ancestors

The location of the diya matters. Below are the age-old traditions and astrological tips for lighting diyas during Pitru Paksha 2025:

1. Near a Tulsi Plant

  • Tulsi (holy basil) is considered sacred and dear to Lord Vishnu, the protector of souls.

  • Lighting a diya here is believed to guide ancestors towards light and liberation (moksha).

  • Use sesame oil or ghee for best results.

2. At the Main Entrance of the House

  • A diya at the threshold wards off negative energies and invites ancestral blessings inside.

  • Always place it on the right side of the entrance when facing outwards.

3. In the South Direction

  • In Vastu and astrology, the south direction is connected with Yamraj (god of death) and ancestors.

  • Light a diya facing south during evening sandhya kaal (around 6:15–6:45 PM IST).

4. On the Bank of a River or Near a Water Body

  • If possible, perform tarpan and light a floating diya in a river or pond.

  • Flowing water symbolizes the journey of the soul and helps in releasing karmic ties.

5. Near a Peepal Tree

  • Peepal is considered the resting place of divine and ancestral energies.

  • Lighting a diya here during Pitru Paksha helps in removing Pitru Dosha.

🕰 Auspicious Timings to Light Diyas in Pitru Paksha 2025

  • Morning Shradh Rituals: 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM IST

  • Evening Diya Lighting: 6:15 PM – 6:45 PM IST (Sandhya Kaal)

  • Avoid lighting diyas during Rahu Kaal:

    • Rahu Kaal Timing (Delhi IST example): 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM (varies by day; check your city’s chart)

🔮 Astrological Remedies While Lighting Diyas

If you suspect Pitru Dosha in your Kundli, enhance the benefits of diya lighting with these remedies:

  • Add black sesame seeds to the oil in the diya.

  • Recite “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya” 108 times while lighting it.

  • Offer Kheer, rice, or milk to a Brahmin or cow in the name of ancestors.

  • Donate white clothes, grains, or silver to the needy on the tithi (lunar date) of your ancestor’s passing.

🙏 Step-by-Step Ritual for Lighting the Diya in Pitru Paksha

  1. Purify Yourself – Take a bath and wear clean, light-colored clothes.

  2. Prepare the Diya – Use clay or brass lamps with ghee or sesame oil.

  3. Face South – Sit facing south while lighting the diya.

  4. Offer Prayers – Chant “Om Pitrubhyo Namah” and recall your ancestors by name.

  5. Make a Food Offering – Place seasonal fruits, cooked rice, or kheer beside the diya.

  6. Leave the Diya to Burn Out Naturally – Do not blow it off.

💡 Pro Tips for Pitru Paksha 2025

  • Avoid non-vegetarian food, alcohol, and unnecessary travel during this period.

  • Feed crows daily; they are considered messengers of ancestors.

  • Perform charity (daan) according to your capacity — it multiplies the merit of your diya offering.

  • Keep the diya away from windy areas to ensure it burns steadily.

🌟 Final Thoughts

Lighting a diya in the right place during Pitru Paksha is a beautiful act of remembrance and respect for those who came before us. It’s not just a ritual — it’s an emotional connection to our roots and a way to harmonize our karmic path.

In 2025, follow these traditions sincerely, and you may notice a subtle but powerful flow of blessings, peace, and prosperity in your home.

As our elders say:
 “Jahan diya jalta hai shraddha se, wahan andhera kabhi tik nahin sakta” — Where a lamp burns with devotion, darkness cannot remain.

Q: Can I light the Pitru Paksha diya inside my home if I don’t have a Tulsi plant or outdoor space?

A: Yes. If you cannot light the diya outside, place it in the south direction of your home on a clean plate with flowers. Ensure the place is quiet, clean, and undisturbed. While lighting the diya, chant “Om Pitrubhyo Namah” and mentally invite your ancestors to accept your offering. The devotion and sincerity matter more than the location.