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The first day of Pitru Paksha sets the tone for the following 15 days, urging people to honour their ancestors, seek their blessings, and pray for the peace of departed souls
Devotees believe that during Pitru Paksha, ancestors visit the earth and are aided in their attainment through offerings made by their descendants. (News18 Hindi)
Pitru Paksha, a significant period in the Hindu religion to honour ancestors through rituals like Shradh and Tarpan, began on Purnima, September 7. On Monday, September 8, marking the Pratipada Tithi of Krishna Paksha in the Ashwin month, all ancestor-honouring rituals commence. This 16-day period, until September 21, is considered highly important for performing Shradh and Tarpan.
Devotees believe that during Pitru Paksha, ancestors visit the earth and are aided in their attainment through offerings made by their descendants. The first day sets the tone for the next 15 days, encouraging people to remember their ancestors and seek their blessings for family happiness, prosperity, and the peace of departed souls.
According to the Panchang, September 8 is the Pratipada Tithi of Krishna Paksha, effective until 9:11 pm, after which Dwitiya Tithi begins. Poorva Bhadrapad Nakshatra remains active until 8:02 pm, followed by Uttara Bhadrapad Nakshatra. The day witnesses the formation of Dhriti Yoga, Shool Yoga, and Gund Yoga. Regarding Karanas, the combination of Balav, Kaulav, and Taitil is observed.
Panchak on the First Day
The Panchak effect will prevail throughout the day on the first day of Pitru Paksha. It is considered inauspicious for major undertakings such as house construction, marriages, or long-distance travel. As Dishashool is in the east direction, journeys towards that direction are advised to be avoided.
The first day of Pitru Paksha is dedicated to beginning Shradh rituals, Tarpan, and Pinddaan. Traditionally, sages, deities, and ancestors are remembered and worshipped first. This day is particularly observed for ancestors whose exact death date is unknown or whose Shradh could not be performed earlier.
Shradh on Pratipada Tithi is performed for ancestors who passed away on this Tithi or whose death date remains unknown. Maternal grandparents and other maternal ancestors are especially remembered. The rituals are performed irrespective of the Tithi on which they passed away.
How to Perform Shradh on the First Day
While performing Shradh, the house should be purified with Gangajal, and devotees should wear clean clothes. Facing south, offerings of kusha grass, water, sesame seeds, and barley are made in the name of ancestors. Donations and food offerings, particularly to Brahmins, are considered highly pious.
Traditional offerings such as milk-based kheer, white flowers, sesame, honey, Gangajal, and clean white clothes are believed to yield maximum spiritual benefits. Panchbali, cow donations, food, and clothing offerings are said to please ancestors and bring prosperity and happiness to the family.
September 08, 2025, 12:17 IST
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