How to Do Shradh During Pitru Paksha 2025: Rituals & Tips

Pitru Paksha 2025 will be observed from September 7 to September 21. This 16-day period is considered sacred in Sanatan Dharma and is dedicated to honoring ancestors through Shradh rituals, Pinda Daan, and Tarpan ritual. It is a time of gratitude, remembrance, and fulfilling one’s duty towards departed souls.

Pitru Paksha: Annual Phase for Ancestors

• Observed during Krishna Paksha (waning moon phase) in the month of Bhadrapada.
  
  

• Lasts for 16 days, ending on Mahalaya Amavasya, the most important day for Shradh.
  
  

• Also known as Shradh Paksha, when families express gratitude to their forefathers.
  
  

• Scriptures describe it as a time when ancestors visit Earth to bless their descendants.
  
  

Key Shradh Rituals in Pitru Paksha 2025

1.Shradh Kriya

The Shradh rituals are performed by the karta (usually the son) under the guidance of a purohit. These rituals are ideally done near sacred rivers or pilgrimage sites such as Kashi, Haridwar, Ayodhya, Vrindavan, and Chitrakoot. If not possible, the rituals during Pitru Paksha 2025 can also be performed at home.

Steps include:

• Early morning bath, wearing clean white dhoti and gamcha.

• Doing sankalpa, which is a formal declaration with name, gotra, and ancestor details.

• Sit facing towards the south direction, the direction of Pitru Devatas.

• Sleeping on the ground instead of a bed on Shradh day.

2. Tarpan Ritual

The Tarpan ritual involves offering water mixed with sesame seeds, barley, and kusha grass. This Pitru Paksha 2025 ritual can be performed by anyone, even if their parents are alive. It is done with mantras (or without them if one cannot chant) and represents humility, surrender, and gratitude. The Tarpan ritual is usually offered for three generations of ancestors.

3. Pinda Daan

The Pinda Daan involves the preparation of rice balls (pindas) mixed with sesame seeds and ghee. These are placed on banana leaves or darbha grass. Each pinda symbolizes nourishment and offerings for the ancestors’ souls. Performing Pinda Daan during Pitru Paksha 2025 is believed to aid ancestors in their spiritual journey and grant them peace.

4. Brahmana Bhojan

After completing the Shradh rituals during Pitru Paksha 2025, Brahmins are fed with sattvic meals. This act is considered equivalent to feeding one’s ancestors. Dakshina, which may include money, clothes, or food, is offered according to one’s capacity. The blessings received from this practice are regarded as blessings from the forefathers.

5. Feeding Crows and Cows

Indigenous Indian cows are considered divine, and feeding them during Pitru Paksha 2025 is seen as equivalent to worshipping Kamdhenu. Crows are regarded as messengers of ancestors, and if a crow accepts the food, it is believed that the offering has successfully reached the Pitrus.

Scriptural Reference: The Story of Karna

In the Mahabharata, after Karna’s death, he received gold and jewels as food in heaven. He was told this happened because he never performed Shradh rituals or offered food to his ancestors during his lifetime. He was then granted 16 days on Earth to perform the Shradh rituals. From that time onward, this period has been observed as Pitru Paksha, emphasizing the importance of honoring ancestors.

What to Avoid During Pitru Paksha 2025

To maintain sanctity and effectiveness of the rituals, avoid:

• Starting new ventures or making large purchases.
  
  

• Celebrations like weddings, birthdays, or festivals.
  
  

• Eating non-vegetarian food, onion, garlic, or alcohol.
  
  

• Cutting hair or nails.

The focus should remain on ancestral duties, simplicity, and inner reflection.

Modern Relevance of Pitru Paksha

In today’s fast-paced world, the Pitru Paksha significance lies in reconnecting with roots. Even if full rituals are not possible, one can:

• Remember ancestors with prayers.

• Donate in their name.

• Visit ancestral villages.

• Perform a simple Tarpan ritual at home.
  
  

It is less about ritual complexity and more about gratitude and remembrance.

||  पितृभ्यः स्वधा नमः ||
Salutations and offerings to the revered ancestors. May they be satisfied and bless us with peace, prosperity, and protection.