Pitru Paksha 2025: Dos And Don’ts You Must Follow To Avoid The Wrath Of Ancestors

Pitru Paksha 2025 is a special two-week period when Hindus pay respect to their ancestors through Shradh rituals. Pitru means ancestors and Paksha means fortnight. It is believed that during this time, the spirits of ancestors visit their families to receive offerings. Hindu texts state that people are born with three debts: to Gods, Sages and Ancestors. Pitru Paksha gives people a chance to repay their ancestral debt and ask for blessings of wealth, health, children and spiritual freedom. This year, Pitru Paksha began on 7th September 2025 and ends on 21st September 2025.

During this period, individuals must follow certain dos and don’ts to avoid displeasing the ancestors. Below is the list of guidelines that must be followed in Pitru Paksha:

Pitru Paksha 2025: Dos And Don’ts You Must Follow To Avoid The Wrath Of Ancestors

Dos Of Pitru Paksha 2025

- Read sacred texts like the Garuda Purana or stories of Nachiketa to understand ancestral rituals. These scriptures offer insights into the significance of honouring one's ancestors and the consequences of neglecting these duties.

- Maintain sincerity and positivity during rituals, ensuring they bear spiritual rewards. Avoid negative thoughts to honour ancestors and seek their blessings for prosperity and well-being.

- Engage in prayers, donations and offerings to honour forefathers. Show gratitude and respect through these rituals, seeking their blessings and guidance in life and ensuring their legacy lives on through your actions.

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Following certain guidelines during Pitru Paksha might help seek the choicest blessings of one's forefathers. (Image Source: Canva) 

Don’ts Of Pitru Paksha 2025

- Refrain from hair cutting or trimming nails during Pitru Paksha, especially on Mahalaya Amavasya.

- Follow dietary restrictions by avoiding non-vegetarian food, onion and garlic, maintaining a sattvic diet.

- During Pitru Paksha, avoid significant life events like weddings, moving into new homes, starting businesses or celebrating births, as this period is considered inauspicious for new beginnings. Instead, the people must focus on worshipping ancestors.

- Minimise indulgence in pleasurable activities during Pitru Paksha to maintain focus on ancestral reverence. This period is best utilised for spiritual growth and paying homage to one's forefathers through rituals and prayers.

- Do not neglect Shradh rituals, especially on the tithis when the family members or ancestors departed from this world. Perform Pitru Tarpanam to pacify the souls of the forefathers.

Pitru Paksha 2025 Significance

The custom of performing Shradh is mentioned in the Mahabharat and it involves Karna, who was known to be very generous. When Karna passed away, he went to heaven. But instead of food, he was given gold and jewels. He asked Indra why the reason behind this. Indra told him that even though Karna was a charitable person, he never made offerings to his ancestors.

Karna realised he made a mistake and he was allowed to go back to Earth for two weeks to do Shrada rituals. He offered food and water to his ancestors to make amends. Thereafter, people observe this period as Pitru Paksha.

ALSO READ: These 7 Symptoms Might Indicate That Your Ancestors Are Angry With You

It is believed that remembering the ancestors, performing Tarpan and making donations in their names during these sacred days help amass their blessings for prosperity, peace and good fortune.

(Disclaimer: This story is a work of spiritual and symbolic inspiration. The narratives and techniques presented are not a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice and have no proven scientific basis. The effectiveness of these practices is subjective and personal, often providing comfort, insight, or a sense of well-being through their symbolic and meditative qualities.)