- By Kashish Rai
- Tue, 02 Sep 2025 03:50 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Pitru Paksha 2025 is a sixteen-day period in the Hindu calendar when people pay their respects to their ancestors by offering food and performing certain rituals. This period is also known as Pitarpas, Sorah Shraddha, Mahalaya and Apara Paksha. Since people perform death rites like Shraddha or Tarpana during this time, it is regarded as a serious and inauspicious period. In southern and western India, Pitru Paksha takes place in the second half of Bhadrapada, right after Ganesh Utsav. It ends with Sarvapitri Amavasya, also called Mahalaya Amavasya. During Pitri Paksha, the Sun moves from the northern part of the sky to the southern part. This shift usually lines up with the autumnal equinox.
Check out all the significant details regarding the start and end date and other significant details about Pitru Paksha below:
Pitru Paksha 2025: 7th Or 8th September, When Will Shradh Begin?
Pitru Paksha 2025 start date is on 7th September 2025 and end date is on 21st September 2025 with Pitru Paksha.
Pitru Paksha 2025: Significance And Rituals
Pitru Paksha or Shradh is a very significant period in the Hindu calendar for honouring ancestors. It is believed that during this period, the spirits of deceased ancestors come down to Earth to receive offerings from their families. By observing Pitru Paksha, followers can do rituals to reduce ancestral debt, bringing peace to those who have passed and seeking their blessings and guidance. This time is characterised by devotion, reflection and respect.
Pitru Paksha is a sacred period dedicated to honouring ancestors. (Image Source: Canva)
The main rituals of Pitru Paksha or Shradh start with a purification bath, usually by the oldest son, to show spiritual purity. Simple foods and clothes are given to Brahmins as a sign of respect for ancestors. Pitru Tarpan includes giving water and sesame seeds while saying certain prayers. Feeding animals like cows, dogs and crows is seen as lucky, showing kindness to all creatures.
Across India, cultural and regional observances of Pitru Paksha differ, showing local customs and ideas. The city of Gaya in Bihar is well known for big ceremonies. There, believers meet at the Ganga Ghats to do Pitru Tarpan as many think that doing these rites here brings spiritual reward.
(Disclaimer: This content includes advice providing generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified spiritual or astrological opinion. Always consult a specialist for more information before adopting any measures.)
