Pitru Paksha 2025: Honor Your Ancestors with Love & Duty
This guide provides commonly followed Shraddha ritual practices and information for this sacred 15-day period. Please consult your local priest for specific guidance based on your family traditions.
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Provides traditional guidance for sacred last rites and ancestral rituals at the holiest cremation grounds of Varanasi, respecting diverse regional traditions.
📞 Call 8999653202At a Glance - Common Practices
General information for quick reference - actual practices may vary by region and family tradition
General Dates
7 Sept (Sunday) to 21 Sept (Sunday), 2025
15-day period commonly observed for ancestral rituals
Eclipse Alert
Partial lunar eclipse on 7 Sept
Generally advised to complete rituals before Sutak period
Common Rituals
Tarpan, Pinda Daan, Feeding
Water offerings, rice balls, charitable feeding (practices may vary)
Suggested Time
Aparahna Kaal (Afternoon) - Generally Preferred
Consult local priest for exact timings in your area
Universal Day
Sarva Pitru Amavasya (Sept 21)
Commonly used when specific death tithi is unknown
Key Principle
Sincere Devotion & Local Guidance
Pure intention with proper traditional guidance matters most
What is Pitru Paksha?
Pitru Paksha, commonly known as the "fortnight of ancestors," is a sacred period widely observed across India to honor forefathers with love, gratitude, and duty. During this time, families typically remember three generations of ancestors and offer prayers for their peace.
Common Spiritual Understanding
According to traditional texts like the Garuda Purana and Agni Purana, rituals performed during Pitru Paksha are generally understood to:
Important Note: The exact interpretation and performance of these rituals may vary by region and family tradition. The sincere intention matters most. For detailed understanding of post-death ceremonies, refer to the complete 13 days of Hindu funeral rites guide.
Pitru Paksha 2025: Commonly Observed Dates
Reference Only: Exact tithi timings may vary by location and tradition. Always consult your local panchang and family priest for precise guidance.
| Date | Day | Generally Observed As | Common Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 7 | Sunday | Purnima Shraddha | Lunar Eclipse Day |
| Sep 8 | Monday | Pratipada Shraddha | Standard observance |
| Sep 9 | Tuesday | Dwitiya Shraddha | Standard observance |
| Sep 10 | Wednesday | Tritiya Shraddha | Standard observance |
| Sep 11 | Thursday | Chaturthi / Maha Bharani | Considered highly auspicious |
| Sep 12 | Friday | Panchami Shraddha | Often for unmarried souls |
| Sep 13 | Saturday | Shashthi Shraddha | Standard observance |
| Sep 14 | Sunday | Saptami Shraddha | Standard observance |
| Sep 15 | Monday | Ashtami Shraddha | Standard observance |
| Sep 16 | Tuesday | Matru Navami | For mothers & female ancestors |
| Sep 17 | Wednesday | Dashami Shraddha | Standard observance |
| Sep 18 | Thursday | Ekadashi Shraddha | Often for ascetics & saints |
| Sep 19 | Friday | Dwadashi Shraddha | Standard observance |
| Sep 20 | Saturday | Trayodashi & Chaturdashi | Often for unnatural deaths |
| Sep 21 | Sunday | Sarva Pitru Amavasya | Universal day for all ancestors |
Reference Muhurat Timings
General afternoon timing preferences for major cities. Please consult your local priest for exact muhurat based on your location and tradition. These timings are sourced from Drik Panchang for reference.
| City | Kutup Muhurat | Rohina Muhurat | Aparahna Kaal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi | 01:10–01:58 PM | 01:58–02:46 PM | 01:58–04:22 PM |
| Mumbai | 01:27–02:16 PM | 02:16–03:05 PM | 02:16–04:43 PM |
| Kolkata | 12:25–01:13 PM | 01:13–02:01 PM | 01:13–03:37 PM |
| Chennai | 12:59–01:47 PM | 01:47–02:35 PM | 01:47–04:11 PM |
| Bengaluru | 01:12–02:00 PM | 02:00–02:49 PM | 02:00–04:26 PM |
General Timing Guidelines
Important: These are reference timings only. Your family priest may have different timing preferences based on local traditions.
General Eclipse Guidelines for September 7
Common practices during eclipse periods - please consult your local priest for specific guidance based on your tradition
Eclipse Reference Information
A partial lunar eclipse occurs on September 7, 2025. Many traditions advise completing Purnima Shraddha rituals before the Sutak period begins. Eclipse data confirmed by NASA Eclipse Website. Please check with your family priest for specific eclipse protocols in your tradition.
Generally Before Sutak
Common practices may include:
Often During Sutak
Traditional practices may include:
Commonly After Eclipse
Traditional practices may include:
General Shraddha Guidelines - Reference Only
Important: These are commonly followed general steps. Exact procedures, mantras, and methods vary significantly by region, caste, and family tradition. For more context, read about Navagraha Shanti rituals. Please consult your family priest for specific guidance.
General Purification
Common practices: Preparing mind, body, and space for sacred activities
Sankalpa (Sacred Intention)
Common practice: Stating intention and invoking ancestors
Invocation
Common practice: Welcoming ancestral presence with respect
Tarpan (Water Offering)
Common practice: Offering water for ancestral nourishment. Learn detailed methods from Tarpan offering guides.
Pinda Daan (Rice Ball Offering)
Common practice: Providing subtle nourishment to ancestors. Understand deeper significance from Pind Daan guides.
Pancha Bali & Feeding
Common practice: Sharing blessings with all beings
Prayer & Gratitude
Common practice: Connecting with ancestors and seeking guidance
Visarjan (Respectful Conclusion)
Common practice: Respectfully concluding the ritual
Frequently Asked Questions
General information about common practices - specific guidance should come from your family priest or local tradition
What if I don't know the exact death tithi?
Common practice: Many families perform Shraddha on Sarva Pitru Amavasya (September 21, 2025). This day is often considered suitable for all ancestors when specific dates are unknown. However, please consult your family priest for guidance specific to your tradition.
Can women perform Shraddha ceremonies?
Varies by tradition: Different communities have varying practices. In some traditions, women can perform these rituals, while others may have specific guidelines. Please consult your family priest or community elders for guidance according to your specific tradition.
How to adapt these practices while living abroad?
General adaptations: Many families use local afternoon timing and substitute unavailable items with alternatives. Charitable donations can often be made to local community organizations. The key is maintaining sincere devotion while adapting to local circumstances. Please consult a knowledgeable priest for specific guidance.
What if eclipse timing overlaps with planned rituals?
Common guidance: Many traditions suggest completing rituals before Sutak period begins. If missed, some traditions allow performance after eclipse with purification. However, eclipse protocols vary significantly by tradition, so please consult your family priest for specific guidance.
What food practices are commonly followed?
Common practices: Many traditions suggest avoiding non-vegetarian food, alcohol, onion, and garlic during this period. Simple, sattvic meals are often preferred. However, dietary practices can vary by community and family tradition. Please check with your family elders or priest for specific guidance.
Is travel to holy places like Gaya necessary?
Generally optional: While pilgrimage to holy places is considered beneficial by many, home ceremonies performed with sincere devotion are also widely accepted as effective. The choice often depends on family tradition, circumstances, and personal preference. Consult your family priest for guidance on what's most appropriate for your situation.
About This Guide
Traditional Guidance Reviewed by: Pawan Shastri Ji, Pandit at Varanasi Harischandra Ghat, specialized in Antim Kriya (25+ years experience in traditional practices)
Reference Sources: Drik Panchang, NASA Eclipse Data, Traditional texts and commonly followed practices
Last Updated: September 6, 2025
Important Disclaimer
This guide serves as a general reference for commonly followed Pitru Paksha traditions across India. Regional customs, family practices, and specific ritual procedures vary significantly across different communities. Timings, mantras, and ceremonial methods may differ based on local traditions and expert guidance.
We strongly recommend consulting your local priest, family elders, or qualified religious authorities familiar with your specific traditions for accurate guidance on ritual performance, proper timings, and appropriate practices for your family's customs. This information should supplement, not replace, professional religious guidance.
