📅 Observance Details
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Observance | Pitru Paksha Begins |
| Deities | Pitru Devatas |
| Date | 27 September |
| Hindu Month | Ashwin |
| Paksha | Krishna Paksha |
| Tithi | Pratipada |
| Duration | 15 days |
| Nature | Ancestral Ritual Period |
📖 What is Pitru Paksha?
Pitru Paksha is a sacred 15-day period dedicated to honoring ancestors (Pitru) through Shraddha, Tarpan, charity, and remembrance. It begins on Krishna Paksha Pratipada and concludes on Mahalaya Amavasya.
According to Hindu belief, during this period souls of ancestors descend closer to Earth to receive offerings and blessings from their descendants.
🕉️ Religious & Spiritual Significance
Pitru Paksha signifies:
- Gratitude towards lineage
- Continuity of family tradition
- Removal of Pitru Dosha
- Blessings for prosperity and harmony
It is believed that proper Shraddha brings peace to ancestors and stability to the family.
🪔 Importance of Shraddha & Tarpan
Shraddha
- Ritual offering of food and prayers
- Performed on ancestor’s death tithi
- Expresses reverence and faith
Tarpan
- Offering of water mixed with sesame seeds
- A symbolic act of nourishment to Pitru
- Can be done daily during Pitru Paksha
🔔 Shraddha–Tarpan Vidhi (Brief)
🌼 Preparations
- Clean space facing south
- Use of kusha grass, black sesame
- Simple satvik mindset
🪔 Ritual Steps
- Sankalp with ancestor names
- Water offering with sesame seeds
- Pinda daan (if customary)
- Feeding Brahmins or needy
- Prayer for Pitru Shanti
Exact rituals vary by family tradition.
🍽️ Do’s & Don’ts During Pitru Paksha
| Do’s | Don’ts |
|---|---|
| Charity | Auspicious beginnings |
| Simplicity | Marriages |
| Satvik food | Property purchase |
| Respect elders | Celebrations |
🌿 Spiritual Benefits of Pitru Paksha Observance
| Practice | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Shraddha | Ancestral peace |
| Tarpan | Removal of dosha |
| Charity | Accumulation of punya |
| Discipline | Family harmony |
🌕 Scriptural Belief
According to Garuda Purana, ancestors depend on Shraddha offerings for sustenance. A single sincere offering during Pitru Paksha can bring eternal peace to departed souls.
🪔 Mantras for Pitru Paksha
ॐ पितृभ्यो नमः
ॐ पितृदेवताभ्यो नमः
📅 Calendar-Style Table Entry
| Observance | Lunar Date | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Pitru Paksha Begins | Ashwin Krishna Pratipada | Ancestral Period |
❓ Short FAQ – Pitru Paksha Begins
Q1. What is Pitru Paksha?
A 15-day period for ancestral worship.
Q2. When does it begin?
On Krishna Paksha Pratipada of Ashwin month.
Q3. Is Shraddha mandatory?
Highly recommended, especially on death tithi.
Q4. Can Tarpan be done daily?
Yes, simple water offerings are allowed.
Q5. When does Pitru Paksha end?
On Mahalaya Amavasya.
Panchang Official