Every year, millions of families in India observe a sacred period dedicated to honoring their ancestors. This period is called Pitru Paksha, a fortnight when people perform Shradh rituals, tarpan, and food offerings for the peace of departed souls. It is believed that during these days, the blessings of ancestors bring prosperity, protection, and harmony to the family.
Pitru Paksha is not just about tradition—it is about gratitude. Hindus believe that remembering and offering prayers to ancestors ensures their souls rest in peace. These rituals are performed with devotion, and often, mantras like Pitri Paksh Mantra are chanted to invite blessings.
The fortnight is marked according to the lunar calendar. While dates may vary in the North and South Indian calendars, the purpose remains the same: showing respect and keeping alive the bond between generations. Performing Shradh on the right days is considered very important.
In 2025, there are three special dates you cannot miss. These days hold great significance for performing Shradh rituals. Missing them means losing a chance to gain divine blessings.
Let’s look at the 3 most important Pitru Paksha dates in 2025 that every family must know.
What Is The Meaning Of Pitru Paksh?
Pitru Paksha is a sacred period in Hindu tradition dedicated to honoring ancestors. It lasts for 16 days, and during this time, families perform Shradh rituals to offer food, water, and prayers to departed souls. These offerings are believed to bring peace and comfort to the ancestors while also blessing the living family with prosperity.
The meaning of Pitru Paksha goes beyond rituals. It is about gratitude and remembering the roots from which we come. By performing Shradh, people clear karmic debts and help their ancestors continue their journey to higher realms. This practice is mentioned in ancient scriptures like the Garuda Purana, Agni Purana, and Vayu Purana, showing its deep spiritual significance.
During this fortnight, people prepare the favorite food of their ancestors and offer it with devotion. It is believed that when the souls are content, they remove obstacles from the lives of their descendants. That is why many consider this time powerful for seeking blessings, peace, and harmony.
Sharing Pitru Paksha wishes with family and friends is also common, reminding everyone of the importance of honoring ancestors. Pitru Paksha is not just a ritual—it is a way to stay connected to generations past.
When Exactly Is Pitru Paksha?
Pitru Paksha in 2025 will begin on September 8 and end on September 21, according to the Hindu Panchang. The period starts right after the full moon of the Bhadrapada month and continues for 16 days. These days are considered sacred for performing Shraddha, tarpan, and food offerings to ancestors.
Families believe that honoring their forefathers during this time brings peace to departed souls and blessings for future generations. Sharing heartfelt Pitru Paksha wishes with loved ones is also common, reminding everyone of the value of gratitude and remembrance during this important fortnight.
Pitru Paksha 2025: Muhurat, Nakshatra & Tithi
Pitru Paksha is a 16-day sacred period in Hindu tradition dedicated to paying homage to ancestors. During this fortnight, every single day is assigned a specific tithi (lunar day). Families observe Shraddha and tarpan on these dates according to the death anniversaries of their departed loved ones.
This period is not just about rituals—it is a time of remembrance and gratitude. Hindus believe that by offering food, water, and prayers, they ensure peace for their ancestors while also inviting blessings of health, harmony, and prosperity into their lives.
Important Tithis and Shraddha Days in 2025
- Pratipada Shraddha – September 8
For ancestors who passed away on Pratipada tithi. - Dwitiya Shraddha – September 9
For those who died on Dwitiya tithi. - Tritiya & Chaturthi Shraddha – September 10
Shraddha for ancestors who passed on Tritiya or Chaturthi. - Maha Bharani Shraddha (Panchami) – September 11
Considered highly significant, especially for unmarried ancestors. - Shashthi Shraddha – September 12
Dedicated to those who passed on Shashthi tithi. - Saptami Shraddha – September 13
For ancestors who died on Saptami. - Ashtami Shraddha – September 14
Observed for those who left the world on Ashtami tithi. - Navami Shraddha – September 15
This tithi holds special importance for women ancestors. - Ekadashi Shraddha – September 17
For ancestors who passed on the Ekadashi tithi. - Dwadashi Shraddha – September 18
Dedicated to saints, monks, and ascetics. - Trayodashi Shraddha – September 19
Performed for children who passed away. - Chaturdashi Shraddha – September 20
For those who suffered untimely or accidental deaths. - Sarva Pitru Amavasya – September 21
The most important day of Pitru Paksha, when Shraddha is performed for all known and unknown ancestors.
Each of these days has deep meaning, but Maha Bharani Shraddha, Navami Shraddha, and Sarva Pitru Amavasya are considered the most significant. Observing these ensures that no soul in the lineage is left unremembered. You can also book a pooja for pitru paksh.
3 Important Pitru Paksha Dates You Must Know in 2025
Pitru Paksha is a sacred period in Hindu tradition when families remember and honor their ancestors. While every day in this 16-day cycle has its own significance, there are three dates that stand out as especially important. Performing Shraddha on these days is believed to bring peace to departed souls and blessings to the living family. Let’s look at the three most significant Pitru Paksha dates in 2025.
1. Bharani Shraddha (Maha Bharani Shraddha) – September 11, 2025
Bharani Shraddha, also known as Maha Bharani Shraddha, is one of the most auspicious days of Pitru Paksha. It will be observed on September 11, 2025. This day is considered powerful because it falls under the Bharani Nakshatra. Traditionally, it is the day when Shraddha is performed for unmarried ancestors. People also believe that offering rituals on this day clears obstacles and ensures peace for those who could not complete a pilgrimage during their lifetime.
2. Navami Shraddha (Matr Shraddha) – September 15, 2025
The second important day is Navami Shraddha, which will fall on September 15, 2025. It is also known as Matru Navami or Matri Shraddha. This tithi is dedicated to mothers and female ancestors in the family—mothers, grandmothers, and great-grandmothers. On this day, people perform tarpan, pind daan, and chant prayers for maternal blessings. Many devotees recite the Pitri Paksh Mantra to seek peace for their maternal lineage.
3. Sarva Pitru Amavasya – September 21, 2025
The final and most significant day of Pitru Paksha is Sarva Pitru Amavasya, which will be observed on September 21, 2025. This day is especially important for families who do not know the exact death date of their ancestors. It is considered the universal day of Shraddha when offerings are made for all known and unknown ancestors.
These three days—Bharani Shraddha, Navami Shraddha, and Sarva Pitru Amavasya—hold the highest spiritual importance in Pitru Paksha 2025. Performing Shraddha and chanting the Pitri Paksh Mantra on these dates is believed to ensure peace for ancestors and prosperity for future generations.
What to Do During Pitru Paksha?
Many people wonder what should be done during Pitru Paksha, the sacred 16-day period dedicated to ancestors. The rituals are not complicated, but they carry deep meaning and blessings. Families usually prepare the favorite food of their departed loved ones and offer it with devotion. Along with food, tarpan is performed using water, black sesame seeds, and sacred grass (kusha). These offerings are believed to bring peace to the souls of ancestors.
Donating food, clothes, and other essentials to the poor and needy during this time is also considered auspicious. Acts of charity not only help others but also become a way of honoring forefathers. Reading holy scriptures like the Garuda Purana or chanting mantras during Shraddha enhances the spiritual value of the rituals.
If you are wondering how to do Pitru Paksha puja at home, it can be done in a simple way. Set up a clean space, place a photo or symbol of your ancestors, and offer food, flowers, and water with respect. Perform tarpan while reciting prayers and mantras.
Pitru Paksha is not just about performing rituals—it is about gratitude, respect, and remembering those who paved the way for us.
Pitru Paksha is not just about performing rituals—it is about gratitude, respect, and remembering those who paved the way for us. To perform your rituals at the right time, check Aaj Ka Panchang on our app and follow the most auspicious timings with ease.
Final Thoughts
Pitru Paksha is a time to pause, reflect, and honor the love of our ancestors. By performing Shraddha with devotion, families bring peace to departed souls and blessings into their lives. The sacred days of Bharani Shraddha, Navami Shraddha, and Sarva Pitru Amavasya hold deep meaning. If you are wondering how to do pitru paksha puja at home, keep it simple with food offerings, tarpan, and prayers.
Pitru Paksha 2025 is not only about rituals—it is about gratitude, respect, and remembering the roots that connect us to generations before us. To know more about Pitru Paksha dates, rituals, or remedies for Pitra Dosh, you can check Free Kundli for guidance.
