26 सितंबर
Pitru Paksha
A sacred sixteen-day period devoted to honouring and offering tarpan to one's ancestors
History
Pitru Paksha runs for roughly sixteen days, from Bhadrapada Purnima to Ashwin Amavasya (Sarva Pitru Amavasya). During this period, families perform shraddha rites, tarpan (water offerings), and pind daan for their departed ancestors, seeking peace and liberation for their souls. The tradition is rooted in the duty of repaying one's "pitru rin" (debt to ancestors), as described in the Garuda Purana and other scriptures.
Significance
Each ancestor's shraddha is traditionally performed on the tithi (lunar date) corresponding to their death, while Sarva Pitru Amavasya is set aside for ancestors whose exact date is unknown.
Puja Vidhi
Bathe in the morning and offer tarpan (water offerings) to ancestors, feed and donate to Brahmins, and where possible, perform pind daan at sacred sites like Gaya, Varanasi, or Haridwar.
Muhurat
Each ancestor's shraddha is performed on the date within the Paksha corresponding to their death tithi; consult a priest or the Panchang for precise scheduling.
Check today's Panchang →Do's & Don'ts
✅ Do
- • Perform tarpan and shraddha for your ancestors
- • Feed Brahmins, the needy, and animals/birds
- • Maintain simplicity and restraint through this period
❌ Don't
- • New ventures, weddings, and housewarmings are traditionally avoided during this period
- • Avoid meat, alcohol, and buying new clothes or jewellery