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During the 16 day Pitru Paksha period, devotees perform rituals and offerings to seek the blessings of their forefathers and to free themselves from ancestral curses
Devotees who have not yet performed shradh rituals are advised to do so on Sarva Pitru Amavasya.
In Hinduism, Pitru Paksha is a 16-day sacred period dedicated to honouring and appeasing one’s ancestors. It begins on Bhadrapad Krishna Paksha Pratipada and concludes on Bhadrapad Amavasya, observed as Sarva Pitru Amavasya. During this time, devotees perform rituals and offerings to seek the blessings of their forefathers and to free themselves from ancestral curses.
This year, Sarva Pitru Amavasya will be observed on September 21, marking the last opportunity during Pitru Paksha to appease ancestors and alleviate Pitru Dosh until the following year.
Devotees who have not yet performed these rituals are advised to do so on this day to prevent unrest, suffering, or misfortune within the family.
According to the calendar, Sarva Pitru Amavasya will begin at 12:16 AM on Sunday, September 21, and end at 1:23 AM on Monday, September 22. The most auspicious time for performing Shraddha and Pind Daan is between 11:50 AM and 12:38 PM. Failing to perform these prescribed rituals is believed to anger ancestors, bringing negative consequences to the household.
Tarpan
After bathing, devotees perform Tarpan by offering water to ancestors. This ritual, performed using Kusha grass, is believed to satisfy ancestors and provide them with the water they lack in the ancestral realm. Missing this ritual is thought to anger the ancestors.
Shraddha
Shraddha rituals honour both known and unknown ancestors. Devotees offer Pind Daan, food donations, and other offerings with devotion, even for ancestors whose death dates are unknown, to seek their blessings and ensure their contentment.
Charity
Donations are an integral part of Sarva Pitru Amavasya. Devotees are encouraged to give food, white clothes, or water to Brahmins or needy individuals to appease ancestors and gain their blessings.
Panchbali Karma
A portion of the sattvik food prepared for the day is offered to a cow, crow, dog, and Brahmins. Religious beliefs hold that these offerings reach ancestors, pleasing them and ensuring their well-being.
Lamp
In the evening, as Pitru Paksha concludes and ancestors begin their journey back, a mustard oil lamp is lit outside the house in the south direction. This is believed to guide ancestors safely and bring blessings to the household.
Performing these five rituals on Sarva Pitru Amavasya is considered crucial. Those who neglect them are believed to invite ancestral displeasure and potential curses. Devotees should follow these practices to remain free from Pitru Dosh and earn the blessings of their ancestors.
September 17, 2025, 16:26 IST
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