New Delhi (Desk) | September 6, 2025 : Pitru Paksha, a significant period in the Hindu calendar dedicated to honoring ancestors, is set to begin on September 7, 2025, and conclude on September 21, 2025, with Sarvapitri Amavasya (Mahalaya Amavasya). This 16-day period is observed with Shradh and Tarpan rituals, during which Hindus across India pay homage to their departed forefathers, seek blessings, and perform acts to alleviate ancestral debt, known as Pitru Rin.
Also referred to as Sorah Shraddha, Mahalaya, Apara Paksha, or Pitarpas, Pitru Paksha is considered spiritually potent but is also associated with death, making it an inauspicious period for starting new ventures. According to Hindu belief, the souls of ancestors descend to Earth during this period to receive offerings and blessings from their descendants. Performing rituals with sincerity is believed to bring peace, prosperity, and guidance from the departed souls.

Start and End Dates of Pitru Paksha 2025
Event Date
Pitru Paksha Start September 7, 2025
Pitru Paksha End September 21, 2025
Sarvapitri Amavasya (Mahalaya Amavasya) September 21, 2025

During Pitru Paksha, families across India engage in traditional rituals, many of which have been passed down through generations. These observances are not only a way to honor ancestors but also a spiritual reminder of filial duty and familial continuity.

Significance of Pitru Paksha
Pitru Paksha is a period for remembrance and devotion. It is believed that neglecting Shradh during this time may create spiritual imbalance or invite obstacles in one’s life, while performing the rites sincerely ensures blessings, protection, and prosperity. The offerings made during this period are said to alleviate Pitru Rin, or the debts owed to ancestors, and bring peace to both the living and departed souls.

Hindus believe that during these sixteen days, ancestral spirits are especially receptive to the prayers and offerings of their descendants. The period emphasizes the importance of respecting family lineage and maintaining the connection between the living and the dead.

Common Pitru Paksha Rituals
Rituals during Pitru Paksha are generally performed by the eldest son, though they can also be carried out by other family members. The rituals typically include:

Purification Bath: Devotees begin the rituals by taking a holy bath to cleanse the body and mind.
Offering Food to Brahmins: Simple meals, such as rice, dal, and vegetables, are prepared and offered to Brahmins as a symbolic gesture to honor ancestors.
Tarpan: Water mixed with sesame seeds is poured while reciting specific mantras to appease the souls of the departed.
Charitable Acts: Donating clothes, food, and feeding animals such as cows, dogs, and crows is considered highly auspicious.
Prayers at Sacred Sites: Rituals are often conducted along riverbanks, in temples, or at sacred sites, believed to amplify the spiritual merit of the offerings.

Regional Observances
Observances of Pitru Paksha vary across India, reflecting regional customs and traditions:
Gaya, Bihar: Considered the most sacred site for Shradh. Devotees gather at the Ganga ghats for Pitru Tarpan, which is believed to provide higher spiritual merit. People from across India travel to Gaya during this period to perform ancestral rites.
Southern and Western India: Pitru Paksha is observed during the second half of Bhadrapada, following Ganesh Utsav. Devotees perform Shradh at home or in local temples.
North India: Special prayers are offered along riverbanks and in temples dedicated to ancestors. Many families perform Tarpan in the early morning near water bodies, believing it brings maximum benefit.

Spiritual Importance
Pitru Paksha is not just a ritualistic observance; it carries deep spiritual and cultural significance. It serves as a reminder for the living to respect and remember their ancestors, reinforcing values of gratitude, family responsibility, and continuity. The period also encourages acts of charity and social responsibility, as feeding Brahmins and animals is considered an offering to departed souls.
Performing these rituals with devotion is believed to relieve any lingering negative influences and bring peace, happiness, and guidance into the lives of the living. Families often gather during this time to pray collectively, strengthening bonds and preserving cultural traditions.

Practical Tips for Observing Pitru Paksha
Identify ancestors to honor: Many families create a list of forefathers and deceased relatives.
Offer simple vegetarian meals to Brahmins or needy people.
Perform Tarpan at sunrise near rivers or ponds.
Engage in acts of charity, such as donating food, clothing, or money.
Observe rituals with sincerity, maintaining a pure and focused mindset.


As Pitru Paksha 2025 approaches, Hindus across India are preparing to perform Shradh and Tarpan to honor their ancestors. The sixteen-day period is a unique blend of spirituality, devotion, and cultural heritage. It reminds families of their lineage, instills a sense of gratitude, and ensures that ancestral blessings continue to guide the living.