Introduction: Honouring the Ancestors with Reverence and Ritual
Pitrupaksha, also known as Shraddha Paksha, is a sacred 16-lunar-day period in the Hindu calendar dedicated to honouring our ancestors (Pitrus). It is a time of remembrance, gratitude, and performing rituals to ensure our ancestors’ souls find peace and salvation. According to the sacred scriptures, satisfying our ancestors during this period helps us absolve ourselves of Pitru Rin (ancestral debt) and receive their invaluable blessings for health, wealth, and prosperity.
At Prayag Pandits, we have guided generations of families through these profound rituals at the holy Sangam in Prayagraj. This guide is designed to provide you with a complete understanding of Pitrupaksha 2025, including the precise dates, tithi calendar, auspicious timings, and the correct way to perform the rituals.
Pitrupaksha 2025: Final Verified Dates
- Pitrupaksha Begins: Sunday, September 7, 2025 (Purnima Shraddha)
- Pitrupaksha Ends: Sunday, September 21, 2025 (Sarva Pitru Amavasya)
Pitrupaksha 2025: The Definitive Tithi Shraddha Calendar
The Shraddha for an ancestor is performed on the lunar day (tithi) on which they passed away. Prayag Pandits presents the final, verified calendar for 2025.
Date (2025) | Day | Tithi (Lunar Day) & Shraddha Name |
September 7 | Sunday | Purnima Shraddha |
September 8 | Monday | Pratipada Shraddha |
September 9 | Tuesday | Dwitiya Shraddha |
September 10 | Wednesday | Tritiya Shraddha & Chaturthi Shraddha (tithis are overlapping) |
September 11 | Thursday | Panchami Shraddha (Maha Bharani) |
September 12 | Friday | Shashthi Shraddha |
September 13 | Saturday | Saptami Shraddha |
September 14 | Sunday | Ashtami Shraddha |
September 15 | Monday | Navami Shraddha (Avidhava Navami) |
September 16 | Tuesday | Dashami Shraddha |
September 17 | Wednesday | Ekadashi Shraddha |
September 18 | Thursday | Dwadashi Shraddha |
September 19 | Friday | Trayodashi Shraddha (Magha Shraddha) |
September 20 | Saturday | Chaturdashi Shraddha |
September 21 | Sunday | Sarva Pitru Amavasya (Mahalaya Amavasya) |
Note: There may be some overlap of tithis (such as Tritiya and Chaturthi on September 10). It’s always best to consult a pandit for the precise day based on the ancestor’s time of death.
Auspicious Timings (Muhurat) for Shraddha Rituals
Prayag Pandits recommends performing Shraddha rituals during the Aparahna Kaal (afternoon period).
The most auspicious muhurats within this period are:
- Kutup Muhurat: Roughly between 11:55 AM and 12:45 PM.
- Rohina Muhurat: Follows the Kutup Muhurat, roughly between 12:45 PM and 1:35 PM.
- Aparahna Kaal (Full Afternoon): Generally from approximately 1:35 PM to 4:05 PM IST.
The Complete Ritual Guide: How to Perform Shraddha
The primary rituals performed during Pitrupaksha are Tarpan, Pind Daan, and Brahman Bhoj. Here is a step-by-step guide.
1. Tarpan: The Offering of Water
Tarpan is the ritual of offering water to the ancestors to quench their thirst in the afterlife.
- What you need: Water, black sesame seeds (kala til), and kusha grass.
- The Process: The Karta (the male head of the family performing the ritual), after taking a bath and wearing clean, white clothes, should face south. Water mixed with black sesame seeds is offered from the palm, flowing over the thumb, while chanting the names and gotra of the ancestors. Prayag Pandits suggests that this offering be made for the last three generations of ancestors.
2. Pind Daan: The Offering of Food
Pind Daan is the offering of pindas (rice balls) which are believed to nourish and provide a body to the departed soul.
- What you need: Cooked rice, barley flour, black sesame seeds, honey, and ghee.
- The Process: These ingredients are mixed to create round balls called pindas. These are offered with utmost devotion, inviting the ancestors to accept the offering. While it can be done at home, performing Pind Daan at holy sites like Prayagraj (Triveni Sangam), Gaya, or Varanasi holds immense significance. At Prayag Pandits, we believe the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers makes it a powerful gateway for these offerings to reach the Pitrus.
3. Brahman Bhoj: Feeding the Learned
It is believed that whatever is offered to a worthy Brahmin during Pitrupaksha reaches the ancestors directly.
- The Process: Invite a learned and pious Brahmin to your home. Serve them a pure, sattvic meal (without onion, garlic, or excessive spices) with respect and humility. The meal should ideally include kheer, puri, and vegetables. After the meal, offer them dakshina (alms) and clothes.
4. Feeding Animals
It is also customary to offer food to a crow (believed to be a messenger of Yama, the god of death), a cow, and a dog before the family partakes in the meal.
Important Do’s and Don’ts During Pitrupaksha
To maintain the sanctity of this period, Prayag Pandits recommends following certain guidelines.
Do’s (What to Do):
- Perform Shraddha with full faith and a pure heart.
- Offer food that your ancestors were fond of during their lifetime.
- Perform rituals under the guidance of a knowledgeable pandit.
- Maintain celibacy and a calm, spiritual temperament.
- Donate food, clothes, and money to the needy in the name of your ancestors.
Don’ts (What to Avoid):
- Do not start any new venture, purchase property, or conduct auspicious ceremonies like weddings or housewarmings.
- Avoid cutting hair, shaving, or cutting nails during this period.
- Refrain from consuming non-vegetarian food, alcohol, onion, garlic, and masoor dal.
- Do not use iron vessels for cooking or offering food. Use brass, copper, or silver instead.
- Avoid using harsh language or getting into arguments.
The Significance of Sarva Pitru Amavasya
This is the final and most important day of Pitrupaksha. If you do not know the tithi of an ancestor’s death or have missed performing Shraddha on a specific day, you can perform the rituals for all your ancestors on Sarva Pitru Amavasya. It is a day of universal salvation, ensuring that no soul is left unattended.
How Prayag Pandits Can Assist You
For centuries, Prayagraj has been the foremost centre for ancestral rites. The power of performing rituals at the Triveni Sangam is unparalleled.
Prayag Pandits is here to help you fulfil your duties towards your ancestors, even if you cannot travel. We offer:
- Online Ritual Services: Our experienced pandits can perform Tarpan and Pind Daan on your behalf in Prayagraj. You can participate via a live video call.
- Booking Expert Pandits: If you are visiting Prayagraj, we can arrange for a learned pandit to guide you through all the rituals seamlessly.
- Personalised Guidance: We provide consultations to help you understand the specific rituals required for your family.
Honouring your ancestors is not just a ritual; it is a connection that transcends time. May the blessings of your Pitrus always be upon you and your family.
For any guidance or to book a service for Pitrupaksha 2025, please get in touch with Prayag Pandits today.