Pitru Paksha, also known as Mahalaya Paksha. Pitru Paksha is also known as Shraddh Paksha. It is a 16 days period in the Hindu lunar calendar that is dedicated to honoring and paying respects to one’s ancestors or forefather. This period typically falls in the lunar
month of Bhadrapada, which corresponds to September-October in the Gregorian calendar.
Pitru Paksha considered a sacred and important time for performing various rituals and ceremonies for the departed souls of one’s ancestors. Hindus believe that during this time, the gates of the ancestral world open. In this time the spirits of deceased family members visit the earthly realm to bless their descendants and receive offerings.
Rituals:
- Tarpanam: This is the central ritual of Pitri Paksha, where offerings of water, sesame seeds, barley, and rice are made to the ancestors. It is performed by Brahmin priests or family members. The act of offering is believed to provide spiritual nourishment to the souls of the departed.
- Shraddha: Shraddha ceremonies involve offering food, clothes, and other items to priests and those in need, as a way of benefiting the souls of ancestors. It is a way of showing gratitude and respect to the departed.
- Pinda Daan: Pinda Daan is the ritual of offering rice balls to the deceased ancestors. These rice balls symbolize the ancestors’ bodies and offered to help them attain peace and salvation.
- Visiting Holy Rivers: Many people visit sacred rivers like the Ganges to perform Pitri Tarpan, where they offer prayers and water to their ancestors.
- Feeding the Poor: Giving food to the needy and underprivileged is considered an act of charity. It is believed to bring merit to the souls of the ancestors.
- Mahalaya Amavasya: The most important day of Pitri Paksha is Mahalaya Amavasya, which marks the culmination of the period. On this day, people perform special rituals to seek the blessings of their ancestors and offer them tarpanam.
It’s important to note that the specific customs and rituals of Pitri Paksha may vary among different regions and communities within Hinduism. The underlying belief is that by performing these rites, individuals can show respect to their forefathers, seek their blessings, and help them on their journey towards liberation or moksha.
Important Date and time of Pitru Paksha 2023
| Date | Shraddh | Tithi Begins And Ends |
| 29 September, 2023 | Purnima Sraddh | Purnima Tithi Begins – September 28, – 06:49 pm
Purnima Tithi ends – September 29, 2023 03:26 pm |
| 30 September, 2023 | Pratipada Sraddh | Pratipada Tithi Begins – September 29, – 03:26 pm
Pratipada Tithi ends – September 30, 2023 12:21 pm |
| 30 September, 2023 | Dwitiya Sraddh | Dwitiya Tithi Begins – September 29, – 12:21 pm
Dwitiya Tithi ends – October 1, 2023 09:41 am |
1, October, 2023 |
Tritiya Sraddh | Tritiya Tithi Begins – October 1, 2023 09:41 am
Tritiya Tithi ends – October 2, 2023, 07:36 am |
| 2 October, 2023 | Chaturthi Sraddh | Chaturthi Tithi Begins – October 2, 2023, 07:36 am
Chaturthi Tithi ends – October 3, 2023 – 06:11 am |
| 3 October, 2023 | Panchami Shraddh | Panchami Tithi Begins – October 3, 2023 – 06:11 am
Purnima Tithi ends – October 4, 2023 – 05:33 am |
| 4 October, 2023 | Shashti Shraddh | Shashti Tithi Begins – October 4, 2023 – 05:33 am
Shashti Tithi ends – October 5, 2023 – 05:41 am |
| 5 October, 2023 | Saptami Shraddh | Saptami Tithi Begins – October 5, 2023 – 05:41 am
Saptami Tithi ends – October 6, 2023 – 06:34 am |
| 6 October, 2023 | Ashtami Shraddh | Ashtami Tithi Begins – October 6, 2023 – 06:34 am
Ashtami Tithi ends – October 7, 2023 – 08:08 am |
| 7 October, 2023 | Navami Shraddh | Navami Tithi Begins – October 7, 2023 – 08:08 am
Navami Tithi ends – October 8, 2023 – 10:12 am |
| 8 October, 2023 | Dashami Sraddh | Dashami Tithi Begins – October 8, 2023 – 10:12 am
Dashami Tithi ends – October 9, 2023 – 12:36 pm |
| 9 October, 2023 | Ekadashi Shraddh | Ekadashi Tithi Begins – October 9, 2023 – 12:36 pm
Ekadashi Tithi ends – October 10, 2023 – 03:08 pm |
| 11 October, 2023 | Dwadashi Shraddh | Dwadashi Tithi Begins – October 10, 2023 – 03:08 pm
Dwadashi Tithi ends – October 11, 2023 – 05:37 pm |
| 12 October, 2023 | Trayodashi Shraddh | Trayodashi Tithi Begins – October 11, 2023 – 05:37 pm
Trayodashi Tithi ends – October 12, 2023 – 07:53 pm |
| 13 October, 2023 | Chaturdashi Shraddh | Chaturdashi Tithi Begins – October 12, 2023 – 07:53 pm
Chaturdashi Tithi ends – October 13, 2023 – 09:50 pm |
| 14 October, 2023 | Sarva Pitru Amavasya | Amavasya Tithi Begin – October 13, 2023 – 09:50 pm
Amavasya Tithi ends – October 14, 2023 – 11:24 am |