Pitru Paksha, also known as Pitri Paksha or Shraddha, is a significant period in the Hindu calendar for paying homage to ancestors. This sacred time spans 16 lunar days during the month of Ashwin, starting with the Pratipada Tithi of Krishna Paksha in the Bhadrapada month. During this period, people perform various rituals and offer prayers to honor and remember their departed ancestors.

Pitru Paksha 2024 Dates and Timings

In 2024, Pitru Paksha begins on Tuesday, September 17 and ends on Wednesday, October 2. The observance starts with the Purnima Tithi (Full Moon) and concludes with the Amavasya Tithi (New Moon).
According to Drik Panchang, the auspicious timings are as follows:

• Kutup Muhurat: 11:51 AM to 12:41 PM (Duration: 49 minutes)
• Rohina Muhurat: 12:41 PM to 1:30 PM (Duration: 49 minutes)
• Aparahna Kaal: 1:30 PM to 3:57 PM (Duration: 2 hours, 27 minutes)

Purnima Tithi:

• Starts: 11:44 AM on September 17, 2024
• Finishes: 8:04 AM on September 18, 2024

Significance of Pitru Paksha

Pitru Paksha is considered a sacred time in Hinduism, dedicated to worshipping and honoring ancestors. During this period, people offer prayers to their departed loved ones with devotion. It is customary to invite Brahmins to one’s home and offer them sattvik (pure) food and clothing.

The rituals are performed with pure intentions and emotions, making this period essential for those affected by Pitru Dosha (a disturbance in ancestral energy). Many people seek relief by performing Pitru Dosha Puja during this time. The city of Gaya in Bihar is renowned for conducting this significant ritual.

Pitru Paksha 2024 Puja Rituals

To begin the rituals, devotees wake up early and take a bath. The house is then cleaned, and sattvik food is prepared. A Brahmin is invited to the home, and the male member of the family performs Pitru Tarpan. Offerings of food, clothing, and dakshina (donation) are made to the Brahmin, and blessings are sought by touching his feet. Feeding cows, dogs, and crows during this period is also considered highly auspicious.

Performing Pitru Tarpan at Ganga Ghat is believed to be especially meritorious, which is why many people visit the Ganga Ghats to perform these sacred rituals.

Pitru Paksha 2024 Schedule

Shraddha Rituals

1. Holy Bath: The eldest son in the family begins the rituals by taking a bath in holy water, symbolizing purity.

2. Clean Attire: Participants must wear clean and appropriate clothing throughout the rituals.

3. Ancestor's Portrait: A portrait of the ancestor is placed on a wooden table, facing south, as part of the ceremony.

4. Pind Daan Ritual: Offerings, known as pinds, are made using ingredients such as ghee, honey, rice, and barley.

5. Tarpan Ritual: Water mixed with flour, barley, kush, and black sesame is offered to the ancestors.

6. Charity: The pinds and tarpan offerings are then given to the poor and underprivileged.

7. Purity: Those performing the rituals must maintain purity and holiness throughout the period.

8. Food Offerings: Special meals are prepared for priests and crows, as feeding them is considered auspicious.

9. Penance: The 16-day period is one of penance, requiring participants to remain calm and mindful in their actions.

Related Search - shradh 2024 dates, pitru paksha shradh rituals, shradh 2024 dates in hindi, shradh 2024 date, shradh, shradh dates 2024, shradh in 2024, shradh 2024 start date and time, shradh dates, shradh date 2024, shradh 2024 start date, shradh paksha 2024, last shradh 2024, ekadashi shradh 2024, shradh tithi 2024, shradh in english,