Pitru Paksha period of the Hindu calender is considered most appropriate for performing the pooja for the dead ancestors and pay homage to them. This period is characterized by the number of ceremonies wherein different offerings are made to the dead with the intention of carrying some sort of salvation to the dead’s souls. Pitru Paksha as a festival is very cultural and has a religious significance for the Hindus.
The Significance and Origins of Pitru Paksha
Pitru Paksha is finally on the Bhadrapada Purnima Tithi during which the Shradh rituals start. It is usually observed during the full moon of Bhadrapada and lasts till the new moon of Kartik, which takes about 15 to 16 days. Those rituals headed the souls to receive peace and possibly, moksha liberation from the cycle of death and reborn.
During Pitru Paksha, Shradh, Tarpan and Pind Daan are the main rituals included among others. The everyday rituals include offerings such as foods and water to the ancestors; recitation or praying for the ancestors by the head of the family or by the eldest male child. To be more specific, they believe that such commodities get to the ancestors and ease their souls.
Rituals and Practices of Pitru Paksha
Shradh: A Devoted Offering
Shradh according to Dr. Krishna Kumar Bhargava an astrologer based in Tirupati is a kind of prayer where a thing is offered to the ancestors. According to the Hindu mythology, the souls of the ancestors wander in the other world in search of food and water and they rest when someone provides them with Tarpan or water and offers charities for them. It is regarded as the religious obligation of the surviving members to performing Shradh, in order to help their ancestors in the other world.
Tarpan and Pind Daan
In Tarpan, water is offered to the ancestors and in Pind Daan offering made include rice, barley and sesame seeds. Such sacrifices are offered in the confidence that the offerings get to the dead and they in turn are at rest. The rituals are usually done by the first-born son of the family, although other male members of the family can also do them.
Pitru Dosh and Its Remedies
Pitru Paksha is also believed to be a good time to atone for Pitru Dosh is a dosha that occurs with an individual horoscope, due to the displeasure of the ancestors. It is therefore thought that performing Shradh and other ritual ceremonies during the Pitru Paksha helps in coping with the consequences of Pitru Dosh keeping the family in harmony.
Pitru Paksha Dates and Observances for 2024
Pitru Paksha as per the Hindu calendar will commence on Bhadrapada Shukla Paksha starting from September 17 at 11:44 AM and ending on September 18 at 08:04 AM. The Bhadrapada Purnima vrat will be on September 17 while the Bhadrapada Purnima bath and donation will be on September 18.
Important Dates for Pitru Paksha 2024:
- September 17, 2024, Tuesday – Purnima Shradh
- September 18, 2024, Wednesday – Pratipada Shradh
- September 19, 2024, Thursday – Dwitiya Shradh
- September 20, 2024, Friday – Tritiya Shradh
- September 21, 2024, Saturday – Chaturthi Shradh, Maha Bharani
- September 22, 2024, Sunday – Panchami Shradh
- September 23, 2024, Monday – Shashthi Shradh, Saptami Shradh
- September 24, 2024, Tuesday – Ashtami Shradh
- September 25, 2024, Wednesday – Navami Shradh
- September 26, 2024, Thursday – Dashami Shradh
- September 27, 2024, Friday – Ekadashi Shradh
- September 29, 2024, Sunday – Dwadashi Shradh, Magha Shradh
- September 30, 2024, Monday – Trayodashi Shradh
- October 1, 2024, Tuesday – Chaturdashi Shradh
- October 2, 2024, Wednesday – Sarva Pitru Amavasya
Conclusion
Pitru Paksha is therefore a sacred period used in reflection and respect to ancestors. Hindus engage in conduct and presentations described in samkalpa, horifications and offerings to propitiate the dead to attain peace and salvation. Besides reinforcing the relationship between the living world and the hereafter, this period is the time that commemorates the circle of life and death.
