Pitru Paksha falls between September 28 and October 14 this year.
This 16-day-long observance is dedicated to honouring and appeasing one’s forefathers.
Pitru Paksha is an annual practice where individuals seek the blessings of their ancestors and offer Shraddha and Tarpan to bring peace to their souls. It is a 16-day festival remembering our ancestors. Particular dates are considered favourable for carrying out these rites to uplift their spirits and bring them blessings.
Every year, Pitru Paksha commences on Bhadrapada Purnima and concludes on Ashwin Amavasya, completing its 16-day schedule. Within this duration, there are three significant dates when performing Shraddha and Tarpan rituals can bring solace and blessings to one’s ancestors.
While each date during this time holds its significance, three particular dates stand out: Bharani Shraddha, Navami Shraddha, and Sarva Pitru Amavasya, also known as Amavasya Shraddha. These dates are important for performing the Shraddha and Tarpan rituals to honour and seek blessings from one’s ancestors.
Performing Bharani Shraddha is of utmost importance one year after the passing away of a family member. For those who remain unmarried and pass away, their Bharani Shraddha should be conducted on Panchami Tithi. If one never visited pilgrimage sites, their descendants perform Bharani Shraddha at locations like Gaya and Pushkar after they pass away. This is to ensure peace for their departed soul. This year, the date for performing Bharani Shraddha falls on October 2, with the Bharani Nakshatra lasting until 6:24 p.m.
The Shraddha observed during Pitru Paksha, known as Matri Shraddha, is dedicated to honouring the maternal lineage, including one’s mother and grandmother. Failing to perform Pind Daan and other rituals on this day to pay respects to the maternal ancestors may incur their displeasure, potentially resulting in Pitra Dosh. In 2023, this significant date for Matri Shraddha falls on October 7.
Sarva Pitru Shraddha or Tarpan is a meaningful way to honour ancestors when you are uncertain about the specific dates of their passing or lack information about your forebears. On the day of Ashwin Amavasya, performing Pind Daan is believed to bring happiness to all your ancestors. This year, it is on October 14.
