As per the beliefs in Hinduism, every year, 15 days are dedicated to the remembrance of ancestors. In these 15 days, the believers engage in the tarpan, shradh and pind daan of the deceased ancestors. The period is known as Pitru Paksha.
According to the Hindu calendar, Pitru Paksha begins on 17th September. However, Shradh will not be performed on this day. 17th September, a Tuesday, is the Shradh for Bhadrapada Purnima, and the rituals of Shradh in Pitru Paksha begin from the Pratipada date. Therefore, on 17th September, Tarpan (offering of water) will be done in the name of the Rishis (sages). In fact, the Shradh period begins from the Pratipada date, so from 18th September, Pind Daan (offering of rice balls), Brahmin Bhoj (feeding of Brahmins), Tarpan, donations, and other rituals will be performed. Thus, it can be said that Pitru Paksha is starting from 18th September and will continue until 2nd October.
The Best Time for Performing Shradh
According to the scriptures, it is considered auspicious to worship deities in the morning and evening during Pitru Paksha. However, the time for ancestor worship is during the afternoon. The most favourable time for performing the Shradh rituals is between 11:30 AM and 12:30 PM. Therefore, it is recommended to check the Panchang (Hindu calendar) for the Abhijit Muhurat (auspicious time) before performing Shradh rituals.
All Main Dates for Shradh
| Date | Day | Shradh Tithi |
|---|---|---|
| 17th September | Tuesday | Shradh for Purnima (Tarpan in the name of the Rishis) |
| 18th September | Wednesday | Shradh for Pratipada Tithi (Start of Pitru Paksha) |
| 19th September | Thursday | Shradh for Dwitiya Tithi |
| 20th September | Friday | Shradh for Tritiya Tithi |
| 21st September | Saturday | Shradh for Chaturthi Tithi |
| 22nd September | Saturday | Shradh for Panchami Tithi |
| 23rd September | Monday | Shradh for Shashti and Saptami Tithis |
| 24th September | Tuesday | Shradh for Ashtami Tithi |
| 25th September | Wednesday | Shradh for Navami Tithi |
| 26th September | Thursday | Shradh for Dashami Tithi |
| 27th September | Friday | Shradh for Ekadashi Tithi |
| 29th September | Sunday | Shradh for Dwadashi Tithi |
| 30th September | Monday | Shradh for Trayodashi Tithi |
| 1st October | Tuesday | Shradh for Chaturdashi Tithi |
| 2nd October | Wednesday | Sarva Pitru Amavasya (Culmination) |
During the Pitru Paksha period, it is believed that the souls of the ancestors visit the earth and expect offerings and prayers. Engaging in Shradh is thought to remove the Pitru Dosha if it is present in someone’s birth chart. Some of the most important rituals of the period include tarpan, which is an offering of water and black sesame seeds, pind daan; rice balls with sesame seeds and barley flour, and feeding those in need.
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