Pitru Paksha, also known as Shradh or Mahalaya Paksha, is a sacred 16-day period in the Hindu calendar dedicated to honoring deceased ancestors. During this spiritually potent time, prayers, food offerings, and rituals are performed to ensure the souls of one’s forefathers find peace and liberation.
In 2024, Pitru Paksha begins on September 18 and concludes on October 2.
Why Pitru Paksha Is Important
According to ancient Vedic traditions, the souls of departed ancestors visit the Earth during Pitru Paksha to bless their descendants. This time is seen as a powerful opportunity to express gratitude, seek forgiveness, and release generational karma through intentional offerings and rituals.
By performing Shradh rites, devotees aid in the soul’s transition toward liberation (moksha) and invoke ancestral blessings for prosperity and well-being.
Daily Ritual Calendar for Pitru Paksha 2024
Each day of Pitru Paksha corresponds to a specific lunar day (tithi) and is meant for honoring ancestors who passed away on that day.
🔹 September 18 — Purnima Shradh
Ritual for those who passed on a full moon. Offer food, water, and prayers.
🔹 September 19 — Pratipada Shradh
For those who died on the first lunar day. Includes food and tarpan (water offerings).
🔹 September 20 — Dwitiya Shradh
Honoring souls who passed on the second lunar day with offerings and prayers.
🔹 September 21 — Tritiya Shradh
Rituals for those who departed on the third lunar day.
🔹 September 22 — Chaturthi Shradh
Special prayers and offerings for ancestors of the fourth lunar day.
🔹 September 23 — Panchami Shradh
Offerings and Shradh rituals for those who passed on the fifth lunar day.
🔹 September 24 — Shashti Shradh
For sixth lunar day ancestors; includes food offerings and tarpan.
🔹 September 25 — Saptami Shradh
Rituals for those who died on the seventh lunar day.
🔹 September 26 — Ashtami Shradh
Offer food, water, and prayers for those who passed on the eighth lunar day.
🔹 September 27 — Navami Shradh
Honoring ninth lunar day ancestors through traditional Shradh.
🔹 September 28 — Dashami Shradh
Food offerings and prayers for tenth lunar day ancestors.
🔹 September 29 — Ekadashi Shradh
Special rituals for those who passed on the eleventh lunar day.
🔹 September 30 — Dwadashi Shradh
Offerings for twelfth lunar day ancestors.
🔹 October 1 — Trayodashi Shradh
Rituals for the thirteenth lunar day.
🔹 October 2 — Chaturdashi & Amavasya Shradh (Sarva Pitru Amavasya)
A powerful day for performing Shradh for all ancestors, regardless of their death date. This Amavasya is considered the most significant day of Pitru Paksha.
Core Rituals Performed During Pitru Paksha
- Tarpan: Offering water mixed with sesame seeds and chanting ancestral mantras.
- Pind Daan: Offering rice balls prepared with black sesame, barley flour, and sacred ingredients to nourish and honor ancestral spirits.
- Feeding Brahmins & the Poor: A traditional act of merit, done after rituals to please the ancestors.
Essential Practices to Observe
- 🌿 Strict Vegetarian Diet: Practitioners often follow satvik (pure vegetarian) diets to maintain spiritual purity.
- 🐦 Feeding Crows: Crows are considered messengers of ancestors. Feeding them signifies the acceptance of offerings by departed souls.
A Time for Healing and Gratitude
Pitru Paksha is not just a ritualistic observance—it is a deeply spiritual opportunity to heal ancestral wounds, express heartfelt gratitude, and elevate the souls of our forefathers.
By consciously connecting with our lineage, we strengthen our roots, clear karmic patterns, and invite abundant blessings into our lives.
