Pitru Paksha Shradh is generally observed for 15 to 16 days.
During Pitru Paksha, Hindus perform Shradh rituals which include offering food, water and prayers to their ancestors.
Pitru Paksha is an important period in the Hindu calendar, which is dedicated to honouring deceased ancestors and paying homage to them. It begins with Bhadrapada Purnima Tithi, the full moon day, which marks the Pitru Paksha Shradh. It is usually celebrated for 15 or 16 days, from Bhadrapada Purnima to Kartik Amavasya. People perform Shradh, Tarpan, Pind daan and other rituals. During the Pitru Paksha, Hindus perform Shradh rituals which include offering food, water and prayers to their ancestors. It is believed that by doing so, they will help the departed souls attain peace and moksha. The rituals are usually performed by the eldest son or a male member of the family.
According to Tirupati astrologer Dr Krishna Kumar Bhargava, during Pitru Paksha, whatever one offers to the ancestors with devotion is Shradh. The restless souls of the departed find peace after the living relatives offer Tarpan and donation. Pitru Paksha is also the time to get rid of Pitru Dosh. As per the Hindu calendar, this year, the Shukla Paksha of the month of Bhadrapada will begin on September 17 at 11:44 am and will conclude on September 18 at 08:04 am. The fasting of Bhadrapada Purnima will be observed on September 17. As per the Udaya Tithi, the bathing and donation of Bhadrapada Purnima will be on September 18.
According to the pandit, Shradh rituals can be performed after 11:00 am on September 17, the day when Pitru Paksha will begin. Here are the dates of Pitru Paksha that you can note down:
Tuesday, 17 September 2024: Purnima Shradh
September 18, 2024, Wednesday- Pratipada Shradh
Thursday, September 19, 2024: Dwitiya Shradh
Friday, September 20, 2024: Tritiya Shradh
Saturday, 21st September 2024: Chaturthi Shradh
Saturday, September 21, 2024: Maha Bharani
Sunday, September 22, 2024: Panchami Shradh
Monday, September 23, 2024: Shashthi Shradh
September 23, 2024, Monday- Saptami Shradh
Tuesday, September 24, 2024: Ashtami Shradh
September 25, 2024, Wednesday: Navami Shradh
Thursday, September 26, 2024: Dashami Shradh
Friday, September 27, 2024: Ekadashi Shradh
Sunday, 29th September 2024 – Dwadashi Shradh
Sunday, September 29, 2024 – Magha Shradh
September 30, 2024, Monday: Trayodashi Shradh
Tuesday, October 1, 2024: Chaturdashi Shradh
Wednesday, October 2, 2024: Sarva Pitru Amavasya
