Pitru Paksha Shraddh Dates & Tarpan Rituals 2025

Pitru Paksha, also known as Shraddha or Mahalaya Paksha, is a significant 15-day period in the Hindu calendar dedicated to honoring and paying respects to one’s ancestors through various rituals, including Tarpan. In 2025, Pitru Paksha is observed from September 7 to September 21. citeturn0search0

Pitru Paksha 2025 Dates:

• Purnima Shraddha: September 7, 2025 (Sunday)
• Pratipada Shraddha: September 8, 2025 (Monday)
• Dwitiya Shraddha: September 9, 2025 (Tuesday)
• Tritiya Shraddha: September 10, 2025 (Wednesday)
• Chaturthi Shraddha: September 10, 2025 (Wednesday)
• Panchami Shraddha: September 11, 2025 (Thursday)
• Shashthi Shraddha: September 12, 2025 (Friday)
• Saptami Shraddha: September 13, 2025 (Saturday)
• Ashtami Shraddha: September 14, 2025 (Sunday)
• Navami Shraddha: September 15, 2025 (Monday)
• Dashami Shraddha: September 16, 2025 (Tuesday)
• Ekadashi Shraddha: September 17, 2025 (Wednesday)
• Dwadashi Shraddha: September 18, 2025 (Thursday)
• Trayodashi Shraddha: September 19, 2025 (Friday)
• Chaturdashi Shraddha: September 20, 2025 (Saturday)
• Sarva Pitru Amavasya (Mahalaya Amavasya): September 21, 2025 (Sunday)

Each day of Pitru Paksha is dedicated to performing Shraddha rituals for ancestors who passed away on that specific lunar day (Tithi). The final day, Sarva Pitru Amavasya, is considered the most significant and is dedicated to all ancestors, regardless of their date of death. citeturn0search0

Tarpan Rituals During Pitru Paksha:

Tarpan is a vital ritual performed during Pitru Paksha to honor and appease the departed souls. It involves offering water mixed with black sesame seeds, barley, and sometimes rice to the ancestors. The ritual is typically conducted in the morning after taking a bath. If performing Shraddha daily is not feasible, Tarpan serves as an essential act of reverence. citeturn0search5

Steps to Perform Tarpan:

1. Preparation:
   • Take a purifying bath early in the morning.
   • Wear clean, preferably white, traditional attire.
2. Materials Needed:
   • A clean copper or brass vessel (Achamani) filled with water.
   • Black sesame seeds (Til).
   • Barley grains (Jau).
   • Kusha grass (if available).
   • A clean cloth or seat (Asana) for sitting.
3. Procedure:
   • Sit facing south, as it is considered the direction of the ancestors.
   • Place the vessel with water in front of you.
   • Add black sesame seeds and barley grains into the water.
   • Recite the appropriate mantras while offering the water mixture, allowing it to flow onto the ground or into another vessel.
   • Express gratitude and seek blessings from the ancestors during the ritual.

Performing Tarpan with sincerity and devotion is believed to bring peace to the departed souls and invoke their blessings for the well-being of the family. citeturn0search5

Observing Pitru Paksha and performing the associated rituals is a profound way to honor one’s lineage and uphold the traditions that strengthen familial bonds across generations.