Pitru Paksha 2025: Dates, Significance, Rituals, and Dos & Don’ts

Pitru Paksha, also known as Shraddh Paksha or Mahalaya Paksha, is one of the most sacred periods in the Hindu calendar. This 16-day fortnight is dedicated to honoring ancestors (Pitru) and performing rituals like Tarpan, Shraddha, and Pind Daan for their peace and liberation. According to Hindu belief, during these days the souls of departed ancestors visit Earth, and by offering food, water, and prayers, families can express gratitude and seek blessings.

Many also observe Pitru Paksha to remove Pitru Dosha, a condition believed to bring obstacles in life due to unfulfilled duties toward ancestors. Performing rituals during this period is said to bring peace, prosperity, and spiritual progress.

Pitru Paksha 2025 Dates and Duration

In 2025, Pitru Paksha will begin on Sunday, 7 September 2025, and end on Sunday, 21 September 2025 (Sarva Pitru Amavasya or Mahalaya Amavasya).

This fortnight starts right after Bhadrapada Purnima and concludes on Ashwin Amavasya. Each day of Pitru Paksha is assigned for specific ancestors depending on their Tithi (lunar day) of death, and Shraddha is performed accordingly.

• Start Date (Purnima Shraddha): 7 September 2025 (Sunday)
• End Date (Sarva Pitru Amavasya / Mahalaya Amavasya): 21 September 2025 (Sunday)

On Sarva Pitru Amavasya, those who do not know the exact date of their ancestors’ death can perform Shraddha for all departed souls.

Significance of Pitru Paksha

1. Spiritual Importance: It is believed that during this time, ancestors descend to Earth to bless their descendants. Offering them food and prayers ensures their satisfaction and ultimate journey toward Moksha.
2. Pitru Rina (ancestral debt): According to scriptures, every human is born with three debts—Deva Rina (towards Gods), Rishi Rina (towards sages), and Pitru Rina (towards ancestors). Pitru Paksha is the most auspicious time to repay this ancestral debt.
3. Removal of Pitru Dosha: Performing Shraddha, Tarpan, or Tripindi Shraddha helps nullify Pitru Dosha, which can otherwise create difficulties in marriage, children, or prosperity.

Why is Pitru Paksha Celebrated?

The origins of Pitru Paksha are described in the Mahabharata. The story of Karna explains its significance. After Karna’s death, he went to heaven, but he found only gold and jewels to eat. When he asked Yama, the god of death, the reason, Yama explained that though Karna donated wealth generously, he never offered food to his ancestors. To make amends, Karna was allowed to return to Earth for 16 days to perform Shraddha and feed the poor. From then, this period became known as Pitru Paksha, the time to honor ancestors.

Rituals and Practices During Pitru Paksha

1. Shraddha Karma – Performed with devotion by offering cooked food (pinda), water, and prayers.
2. Pind Daan – Rice balls mixed with sesame seeds and barley are offered to nourish ancestral souls.
3. Tarpan – Offering water mixed with black sesame, barley, and kusha grass to ancestors.
4. Anna Daan and Gau Seva – Feeding Brahmins, cows, and needy people is considered highly meritorious.
5. Pilgrimage Shraddha – Performing rituals in sacred places like Gaya, Varanasi, Prayagraj, Haridwar is considered most auspicious.

Dos and Don’ts of Pitru Paksha

Dos

• Perform Shraddha on the exact Tithi of your ancestor.
• Offer food to Brahmins, cows, crows, and needy people.
• Recite sacred texts like Bhagavad Gita or Ramayana.
• Visit holy places (tirthas) such as Gaya, Varanasi, Prayagraj, and Haridwar.

Don’ts

• Avoid beginning any new work, business, or marriage negotiations.
• Avoid eating non-vegetarian food, onion, and garlic.
• Do not disrespect elders, Brahmins, or poor people during this time.

Pitru Paksha and Pilgrimage Places

• Gaya (Bihar): Performing Pind Daan here is considered mandatory for liberation of souls.
• Varanasi (Kashi): Performing Tarpan at Manikarnika or other ghats grants special blessings.
• Prayagraj: Sangam is highly sacred for Shraddha.
• Haridwar: The ghats of Ganga are auspicious for offering tarpan and pind daan.

FAQs on Pitru Paksha 2025

Q1. What is the spiritual importance of Pitru Paksha?
During Pitru Paksha, it is believed that the souls of ancestors come to Earth to accept offerings. Satisfying them ensures peace, blessings, and family prosperity.

Q2. When is Pitru Paksha in 2025?
Pitru Paksha will be observed from 7 September 2025 to 21 September 2025.

Q3. What happens if Shraddha is not performed?
According to scriptures, neglecting Shraddha may result in Pitru Dosha, causing obstacles in life like health issues, financial struggles, or delays in marriage/childbirth.

Q4. Where can I perform Pind Daan?
The most sacred places are Gaya, Varanasi, Prayagraj, and Haridwar. Many people also book online Pind Daan services if they cannot travel physically.

Conclusion

Pitru Paksha 2025 is a sacred time for Hindus to honor their ancestors, seek their blessings, and repay their spiritual debts. Whether you perform rituals at home, in holy cities like Gaya and Varanasi, or through online Shraddha and Tarpan services, the essence lies in faith and devotion.

By observing Pitru Paksha with sincerity, one not only brings peace to departed souls but also invites prosperity, spiritual growth, and harmony in life.