Pitru Paksha 2025: Can Women Do Tarpan And Shradh Rituals? Know Answer As Per Shastras

Pitru Paksha 2025, a sacred 15-day period, honours ancestors through rituals like Shradh, Tarpan and Pind Daan. This year, Pitru Paksha began on September 7 and ends on September 21. Traditionally, male family members perform these rituals during Pitru Paksha, however, many women have a doubt that in the absence of male heirs, can they also participate in these rituals? Let us know the answer below:

Pitru Paksha 2025: Can Women Do Tarpan And Shradh Rituals?

In the absence of Male heirs in the family, women are allowed to perform the Tarpan and Shradh rituals. Let us have a look at some of the instances from spiritual texts to support this answer below:

The Pind Daan By Maa Sita

During their exile, Lord Rama, Sita and Lakshmana visited Gaya during Pitru Paksha. A Brahmin requested their help with a ritual and when Lord Rama and Lakshmana delayed, Goddess Sita was asked to perform the pind daan. Initially hesitant, she was guided by King Dashrath's celestial presence, who expressed his desire to receive the offering from her hands. With faith and devotion, Maa Sita created sand pinds on the banks of the Falgu River, invoking the Vata tree, Ketaki flowers the river and a cow as witnesses. This sacred act brought peace to King Dashrath's soul, and he blessed Sita. When Lord Rama returned, he questioned the ritual's validity, but the witnesses vouched for Sita's selfless act.

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Tarpan is a Hindu ritual offering water and prayers to ancestors, gods and sages, seeking their blessings and peace. (Image Source: Canva) 

Mention In The Garud Puran

The Garuda Purana emphasises that fulfilling ancestral duties isn't limited to men. In the absence of male family members, women can perform Shraddha and Tarpan. Daughters can also offer rituals for their parents if there's no son. Even solitary women without male relatives can honour their ancestors through these sacred rituals. This inclusive approach acknowledges the importance of women's roles in maintaining family traditions and ensuring the spiritual well-being of their loved ones. By empowering women to participate in these rituals, the Garuda Purana promotes a sense of responsibility and connection to one's heritage.

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The heart of spirituality lies in doing rituals with devotion, not in who is doing them. Maa Sita's story and the Garuda Purana both enumerate that women can do Tarpan and Shradh rituals. What matters most is giving from the heart, not following social rules.